What to look out for in Syracuse’s women’s basketball game vs Virginia
After a successful outing in Miami, the Syracuse Orange women’s basketball team (21-4, 11-3) is set for a Sunday afternoon clash with the Virginia Cavaliers (12-12, 4-9) in Charlottesville.
Syracuse is riding the momentum of a 71-60 road victory over the Hurricanes, marking their fourth consecutive win. As the ACC Tournament approaches, the Orange, currently vying for a top-16 seed in the NCAA Tournament, aims to bolster their resume with another road triumph.
Despite Virginia’s subpar ACC record, the Cavaliers have secured back-to-back wins against Boston College and Wake Forest. However, their home record stands at 7-7 this season, and they finished last year with a 15-15 overall record and a 4-14 mark in ACC play.
The tip-off for the Syracuse-Virginia matchup is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST, and the game can be streamed on the ACC Network. Key points to observe include:
1. Fair’s Statement: Dyaisha Fair had a remarkable performance last season against Virginia, scoring a season-high 38 points with impressive efficiency. Despite a more subdued performance against the Hurricanes, Fair seeks to rediscover her scoring prowess against a Cavaliers team that allows the fifth-most points in the ACC.
2. Battle on the Boards: Both Syracuse and Virginia rank among the ACC’s top rebounding teams, particularly on the offensive glass. Syracuse holds the fourth position in total rebounds per game and leads in offensive rebounds per game, while Virginia ranks second in both categories. The Orange’s frontcourt depth has been a consistent source of scoring through second-chance points.
3. Tempo Control: Virginia excels in passing, but Syracuse, ranked fourth in steals per game, capitalizes on opponent mistakes. If the Orange face challenges in half-court play, transitioning to a faster pace and exploiting the Cavaliers’ errors becomes crucial.
Preview by the Numbers:
– All-time Record: Syracuse boasts a 10-4 all-time record against Virginia since the 1985-1986 season, including a 9-2 record since joining the ACC.
– Last Matchup: Syracuse secured a 90-72 victory over Virginia last season at home, marking their third consecutive win and fifth in the last six encounters.
– Implications: A victory would extend Syracuse’s win streak to five games (second-best in the ACC), elevate their road record to 7-3, and mark the team’s second consecutive road win. Conversely, a loss would halt the four-game winning streak, potentially jeopardizing their chances of securing a top-16 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
