Virginia Basketball: 3 keys to victory for the Cavaliers against Clemson

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - JANUARY 05: Braxton Key #2 of the Virginia Cavaliers smiles as he comes off the court beside De'Andre Hunter #12 and Kihei Clark #0 in the second half during a game against the Florida State Seminoles at John Paul Jones Arena on January 5, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images /

3. De’Andre Hunter and Mamadi Diakite must play well

The Virginia Cavaliers have formed quite the frontcourt with the emergence of De’Andre Hunter and Mamadi Diakite. Diakite has started the last five games after serving as primarily a reserve early in the season. With their versatility in the frontcourt, using Hunter and Diakite are key in overwhelming Clemson.

The Cavaliers have the players and depth to get the Tigers in early foul trouble with Jack Salt and Jay Huff as well. Clemson senior forward Elijah Thomas is averaging 3.3 fouls per game, sophomore forward Aamir Simms is averaging 2.7 fouls per contest and senior forward David Skara is averaging 2.3 fouls per game. Thomas fouled out of the Tigers’ loss to the Syracuse Orange on Wednesday night, the second instance that’s occurred for him in 2018-19.

With so many players teetering with foul problems, getting two fouls on these keys players in the early going could be key to making this victory an easy one. Hunter and Diakite aren’t the only offensive producers for Virginia, but when they’re playing well, things come easy in the points column as evidenced by the Boston College win.

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