Virginia Basketball: Trap Games Cavaliers Must Watch out for in 2014-15

The University of Virginia Cavaliers have gotten off to one of the best starts in recent school history this season. The Hoos improved to 8-0 with Wednesday's win at the University of Maryland in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge. In a game during which the Terrapins were poised for an upset, UVA never trailed. 

Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, two starters—leading scorer Justin Anderson and forward Darion Atkins—were injured and are questionable for Saturday's tilt at VCU, per Norm Wood of the Daily Press. Remember, the Rams defeated the Hoos in Charlottesville last season.

After Saturday's game at Richmond, the Cavaliers will be off 12 days for exams before home dates with Cleveland State, Harvard and Davidson. Then UVA opens up ACC play.

Will UVA be undefeated when 2015 rolls around?

Unless the Cavs stumble and avoid trap games, they stand a good chance of getting to Miami on January 3 with a perfect record.

Speaking of trap games, here are four potential trap games for Virginia in 2014-15.

Harvard

Michael Dwyer/Associated Press

Harvard guard Wesley Saunders

The Hoos entertain the four-time defending Ivy League champs on December 21. The Crimson (5-1) play a brand of basketball similar to Virginia. While UVA has the No. 2 scoring defense, Harvard ranks No. 27. Both teams like to play at a slower pace.

The Crimson have one of the top players in all of college hoops in Wesley Saunders. Saunders averages 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists per game and was the Ivy League Player of the Year last season. 

If the Hoos aren't careful, they'll let Harvard hang around, and the Crimson could pull off the upset.

Davidson

Chuck Burton/Associated Press

Davidson coach Bob McKillop

No, this isn't the same Davidson team that Stephen Curry starred on. But the Wildcats aren't bad, either.

In longtime coach Bob McKillop, Davidson has one of the more underrated coaches in the country. He led the Wildcats to NCAA Tournament appearances in 10 of the past 13 seasons. 

The Wildcats currently have four players averaging in double figures and play a much faster pace than UVA. Davidson averages 87 points per game, while Virginia allows just 46 per game.

Guards Tyler Kalinoski and Jack Gibbs lead a versatile and balanced attack.

Miami

Mic Smith/Associated Press

Miami guard Sheldon McClellan

The Hurricanes really shouldn't be considered a trap game, as they are currently 8-0 and ranked No. 15 in the country. However, the 'Canes aren't generally considered among the ACC elite. 

Miami had perhaps the ACC's signature win in November with a victory at Florida. 

Guard Sheldon McClellan is a terrific all-around player that you won't hear much about. Point guard Angel Rodriguez is having a strong season, too, and he is a big reason for the Hurricanes' strong start.

Jim Larranaga, a former Virginia assistant under Terry Holland, is an excellent coach and brought Miami its only ACC championship in 2013.

Virginia Tech

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Virginia Tech coach Buzz Williams

Yes, Virginia Tech was bad last season—very bad. It was so bad that it cost former coach James Johnson his job after two disappointing seasons.

Enter Buzz Williams.

Williams was a shocking hire by Tech athletic director Whit Babcock and brought instant credibility to Blacksburg on the hardwood. While the Hokies are currently bereft of talent, they will play hard and are coached well.

You don't think Williams has both Virginia games circled on his calendar? His first opportunity comes on January 25 in Blacksburg.

It's important to note that the first UVA-VT game comes before Virginia's only matchup with Duke. If the Cavaliers are looking ahead, the Hokies could pull off the upset.