Virginia basketball is set to face NC Central in an exciting matchup on Friday at 7:00 p.m. ET. This game marks the third encounter between these two teams, with Virginia having previously claimed victories by a total of 42 points across their past matchups. However, NC Central tested Virginia’s mettle in their last game in 2022, where they lost 73-61. As the game approaches, Virginia has been established as a heavy favorite, with a spread of 32.5 points according to Action Network.
Virginia’s Starting Lineup
The Cavaliers are expected to field the same starting five as in their previous game:
- Dallin Hall
- Malik Thomas
- Sam Lewis
- Thijs De Ridder
- Johann Grünloh
If things go well for Virginia, they might integrate several bench players, allowing them to gain valuable experience.
NC Central’s Recent Performance
NC Central is looking to bounce back from a challenging 14-19 record last season. They suffered a significant defeat to NC State, ending with a score of 114-66. In that game, sophomore guard Gage Lattimore stood out, scoring 20 points while making all eight of his free-throw attempts. He played the entire 40 minutes, showcasing his ability on both ends of the court.
Key Players for NC Central
Lattimore transferred from the DII University Seton Hill, where he averaged 10.6 points per game in his freshman year. He, along with senior forward Khouri Carvey, accounted for 59 percent of NC Central’s scoring against NC State. Carvey also had a notable performance, scoring 19 points and grabbing eight rebounds.
Coaching and Strategy
Head coach LeVelle Moton is in his 16th season with NC Central and holds the title of the program’s all-time winningest coach, boasting a career record of 278-16. Last season marked his first sub-500 finish since the 2015-16 season. Virginia’s strategy may rely heavily on leveraging their size advantage while also utilizing perimeter shooting to combat NC Central’s potential defensive strategies, particularly if they opt to defend the paint.
Virginia’s Offense
After a sluggish start against Rider, it will be vital for Virginia to establish an offensive rhythm early in the game. The Cavaliers previously converted only eight of their 30 three-point attempts in their opener. With European transfers Thijs De Ridder and Johann Grünloh bringing athleticism, Virginia’s offense looks to build a significant lead. This would allow head coach Ryan Odom to explore his team’s depth as they progress through non-conference play.
This matchup promises to be not only a test of skills but also a revealing moment for both teams as the season unfolds.
