Virginia will face Northwestern on Friday night in the Greenbrier Tip-Off Classic. This matchup marks the first encounter between the two teams since 2007. Virginia looks to build on their recent performance, having beaten Marshall 104-78, their first game of the season to reach 100 points.
Virginia’s Key Players and Recent Performance
The standout player for Virginia this season has been true freshman Thijs De Ridder. After transferring from Spain, De Ridder has scored 20 points in three of the four games played this season. Head coach Ryan Odom praised his contributions, emphasizing his veteran-like presence on the court.
Odom remarked on De Ridder’s physical play and experience, which he believes gives his team a calming influence. This depth of experience is crucial as Virginia aims to solidify their defensive strategies against formidable opponents like Northwestern.
Game Broadcast Information
Fans can catch the Virginia vs. Northwestern game live on CBS Sports Network. CBSSN subscribers can stream the match through the CBS Sports app. Additionally, the game will be available on the Virginia Sports Radio Network and the Virginia Sports app.
Northwestern’s Strong Offensive Threat
Northwestern boasts one of the nation’s elite scorers, Nick Martinelli, who is averaging 20.5 points per game. Martinelli has shown exceptional skill from beyond the arc, hitting an impressive 87.5% of his three-point attempts. His ability to score consistently presents a significant challenge for Virginia.
Coach Odom recognizes the threat posed by both Martinelli and the well-rounded Northwestern team. Key players include Arrinten Page and Jayden Reid, both of whom contribute to a balanced offensive and defensive style.
Virginia’s Defensive Skills
Virginia has demonstrated high scoring capabilities this season, coupled with an effective defensive press. Chance Mallory leads the team with an average of 2.8 steals per game, while Johann Grünloh boasts an impressive 4.3 blocks per game, ranking him at the top nationally.
This game will be pivotal for Virginia to showcase their perimeter defense and how they manage to protect the paint against the aggressive attacking style of Northwestern.
Game Highlights
- Date: Friday Night
- Location: Greenbrier Tip-Off Classic
- TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
- Key Players: Thijs De Ridder (Virginia), Nick Martinelli (Northwestern)
- Virginia’s Record: 104-78 win over Marshall
- Northwestern’s Scoring Leader: Nick Martinelli, averaging 20.5 points
