TOP 20 COMMMONWEALTH CLASH preview: NO. 20 VIRGINIA TECH VS. NO 8 VIRGINIA

Jackson Didlake

January 30, 2021

BLACKSBURG, Va. — No. 20 Virginia Tech awaits a huge challenge with No. 8 Virginia coming into town on Sunday. It will be the first meeting between the in-state rivals after the first contest was postponed due to COVID-19 concerns.

The foes share a common recent opponent in Syracuse. The Hokies had a tough time with the Orange zone in a big 78-60 loss. However, the Cavaliers had their way with the Orange, winning 81-58 in dominant fashion.

Virginia has won the last four meetings between the two and owns a 96-56 all-time series record.

Virginia’s Key to the Game: Crash the Boards

One of the biggest keys to the Hokies victory over the Fighting Irish on Wednesday was their rebounding. Virginia Tech outrebounded Notre Dame 46-36 behind 32 rebounds alone from Keve Aluma, Justyn Mutts and Nahiem Alleyne.

Virginia has a 3.6 rebound margin this season, good for fourth in the ACC. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech has a -3.3 rebound margin, the third worst in the conference. If the Cavaliers can continue to thrive on the boards, the Hokies will have a tough path to victory.

Virginia Tech’s Key to the Game: Get Back on Track Shooting

The Hokies are coming off of back-to-back subpar shooting performances, most notably against Syracuse. The Hokies shot just 32.8% from the field against the Orange and were 27.6% from three.

With a dominant Virginia defense coming to town that’s a conference-best 36.9% shooting, the Hokies are going to need to get back on track from the field if they want to down the Cavaliers.

Virginia Player to Watch: Jay Huff

Short of Marquette transfer Sam Hauser, senior Jay Huff has been the player to watch this year for the Cavaliers. Huff is averaging 15 points and 7.4 rebounds per game off of 51% from the field.

Huff was not much of a difference maker for Virginia in its two contests against Virginia Tech last season - he only had two points in each game. Expect Huff to make a big impact in what will likely be his final visit to Cassell Coliseum.

Virginia Tech Player to Watch: Jalen Cone

After scoring double digit points in six straight games, Jalen Cone has been on a rough cold spell. Cone has only six points in the Hokies last three games, including going scoreless against Wake Forest. He shot 10.5% from the field over the span.

Cone was shooting 43.3% from three during his six-game heater but has taken quite the fall from grace since. The usual blueprint to beat the dominant defense of Tony Bennett and co. is to hit the long ball. UMBC did it two years ago and San Francisco did the same earlier this season. The Hokies will need Cone to get hot from behind the arc if they want a chance to come out victorious.

Prediction:

Jackson: Virginia 66, Virginia Tech 54

Game Details:

No. 8 Virginia (11-2, 7-0 ACC) at Virginia Tech (12-3, 6-2)

Tipoff: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Va.

Television: ACCN