Virginia vs. Duke: Winning Formula for Cavaliers to Shock Blue Devils

The 16th-ranked Virginia Cavaliers season is at a crossroads tonight.

Not only does Thursday mark the second half of their season, but they are playing by far their biggest game of the season. Thus far, their 14-1 record and a 12-game win streak are somewhat misleading. They’ve beaten a grand total of one top-25 team and are ranked 226^th in the nation in points per game (65.7).

Tonight is their chance to make a declaration. The Cavaliers are traveling to the one and only Cameron Indoor Stadium to play No. 6 Duke.

So how do the double-digit underdogs prevail?

Feed Michael Scott.

The fifth-year senior leads the team in points (16.5) and rebounds (8.9). He’s been here before and his leadership must be on full display tonight. There isn’t a player on Duke capable of slowing Scott down.

More importantly, the Cavaliers must continue to play suffocating defense to keep the crowd quiet and ensure a slow pace. UVA has allowed 77 points once, and the next highest total is 58. They are tremendous at taking away the first and second option on a play forcing the opponent to a limited amount of possessions. The frustration mounts throughout the game.

The disciplined Cavaliers' offense has adjusted to this style of play, and they value the ball tremendously. A college team that only turns the ball over 12 times a game is going to compete till the very end, regardless of the opponent.

That’s why Scott’s leadership is so important. Staying composed in a hostile environment is essential. Making sure that sophomore Joe Harris (12.3 points, 3.7 rebounds) and freshman Malcolm Brogdon (6.8 points, 3.2 rebounds) don’t get rattled by the Cameron Crazies is essential.

Duke is ripe for an upset right now. They are coming off a week where they lost to Temple and nearly blew a conference game against Georgia Tech.

Freshman Austin Rivers has really struggled of late. He has shot a combined 6-of-21 in his last two games with six turnovers. Defenses are adjusting to his dribble-drive and Rivers isn’t altering his style.

This is Virginia’s chance to get a signature victory and announce to college basketball nation that the Cavaliers are indeed a team capable of doing damage in the NCAA Tournament.

The opportunity is there, it’s up for the up-and-coming Cavaliers to grab it.