Duncan Powell (31) has bounced back after each of his last three single-digit games to average nearly 20 points. (photo courtesy of Pitt Athletics)
Stoudamire understands how tricky Virginia’s mover-blocker offense can be.
“I actually ran the same offense when I was at Pacific,” he acknowledged.
That patient, rhythm offense caused problems for Tech in a 75-61 loss to the Cavaliers on Feb. 8 – at 1.27 points per possession, Virginia posted its second highest offensive rating of the season against the Jackets. Between guards Isaac McKneely, Andrew Rohde, Dae Dae Ames, and reserve Taine Murray, the Cavaliers have four players who average 40% or better from three-point range.
Virginia offense
- Assist rate (A/FGM): 63.4% (#4 NCAA)
- 3pt.%: 37.6% (#28 NCAA)
- Adjusted tempo: 61.1 (#360 NCAA)
McKneely (14.0 ppg) has made 17 of 31 threes in his career against Tech and comes off screens with cunning and pace. Rohde (9.4 ppg) had nine assists and no turnovers against the Jackets and understands how to get defenders on his hip. The Cavaliers also have a fully healthy Elijah Saunders (10.5 ppg), who had just returned from a foot injury in the first meeting but gives them an extra threat as a stretch “4.”
The Cavaliers often used a wide pindown screen as the entry point for their offense, which stressed Tech’s defense in the halfcourt. The Jackets will need to stay connected – there’s that word again – through Virginia’s multiple actions, especially late in possessions. They’ll also have to be sharp calling out screens, in particular the flares and pindowns that Virginia likes to use.
Can the Jackets strip the rhythm out of the Cavaliers’ high-assist offense? That may go a long way toward determining whether they’ll earn a quarterfinal date with No. 1 Duke.
Nait George not only has new hardware, but new headwear.
The honorable mention All-ACC guard has traded his signature billowy hair for a grid of tight, Jalen Brunson-esque braids, which he debuted at his Monday press conference. It’s the same hairstyle he wore at last year’s ACC Tournament, when he posted a then-career high 24 points in a loss to Notre Dame.
After becoming the first Tech player since Drew Barry in 1995-96 to lead the ACC in assists, few would have faulted George for keeping everything the same. But since we pore over stats with a fine-tooth comb – truly, in this case – it’s worth noting that we crunched the numbers this fall.
As a freshman, George shot markedly better with his hair braided than unbraided.
|
Games |
FG% |
3pt.% |
| Braided |
9 |
49.40% |
36.10% |
| Unbraided |
19 |
38.40% |
28.80% |
Yes, those are real statistics. Thanks to manager Alex Gaynor for indulging me with the research.
George drilled five three-pointers against Virginia, tying a career high that he set in last year’s ACC Tournament. If he lights up the ACC Tournament again, you’ll know why.
Virginia beat Tech last month thanks to an uncommonly good effort on the glass. The Cavaliers rank last in the ACC and 344th nationally in offensive rebounding percentage, yet they finished with their highest OR% of the season against the Jackets.
Virginia – OR%
- Season: 22.7%
- vs. Georgia Tech: 41.9%
Pay attention to 6-11 Blake Buchanan, who had 7 points and 11 rebounds and drew four fouls against the Jackets. Baye Ndongo could be due for a breakout – the third-team All-ACC forward only grabbed 5 rebounds against the Cavaliers, his fewest since ACC play resumed.
