North Carolina vs. Virginia: 3 keys to the ACC title game
Which set of guards are going to set the tone
In the first game, the Cavaliers were able to set the pace of the game throughout the 40 minutes. The game was in the 40’s with five minutes to go, and the Tar Heels couldn’t muster another point.
The win was welcomed for the Cavaliers, considering that the leading scorer of the team Kyle Guy went just 2/10 from the field for seven points. But senior wing Devon Hall stepped up in a big moment, making all four of his three-point attempts to lead Virginia with 16 points.
Joel Berry had 17 to lead all scorers, but needed 17 shots to do so. The other guards were nowhere to be found.
But one Tar Heel on a roll right now is Theo Pinson. In the fist two games of the ACC Tournament, he averaged 20.5 ppg and 11 rpg. His shooting has been on an uptick as well, making him a dangerous threat to possibly go off.
The key for North Carolina is to somehow up the tempo and make Virginia uncomfortable. Berry could also do the team a big favor and get Guy in foul trouble.
But I predict all of that to be efforts in vain, as Virginia is playing better than anyone in basketball, and will continue that momentum to an ACC Tournament title.
Preidction: Virginia 65 – North Carolina 54