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Virginia Basketball: 2018-19 keys for Cavaliers to win at UNC

By John Szymendera

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)
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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SOUTH BEND, IN – JANUARY 26: Nikola Djogo #13 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish loses the handle on the ball while being defended by Braxton Key #2 of the Virginia Cavaliers at Purcell Pavilion on January 26, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – JANUARY 26: Nikola Djogo #13 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish loses the handle on the ball while being defended by Braxton Key #2 of the Virginia Cavaliers at Purcell Pavilion on January 26, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

2. Lock Down on Defense and Slow the Pace

Virginia looked less than elite against the Blue Devils on the defensive side of the ball on Saturday, and they will need to bounce back immediately and focus on what has made them great over the past half decade.

North Carolina will provide another tough test when it comes to controlling the pace and playing defense in the way that Coach Bennett preaches. According to Kenpom.com, UNC plays at the fifth fastest tempo in the country compared to Duke at 18th. Virginia brings up the rear in all of college basketball at 353rd. UNC has the fastest tempo of any power five or Big East school so this is truly the biggest gap possible in a matchup of elite teams.

Now more than ever, Virginia must get back on defense after every miss and even every make because UNC will push it up the floor and make them pay. This Virginia team may have more offensive talent that is better equipped for an up-tempo game than in years past, but they can ensure a win by playing their style throughout.

UNC has two important freshmen in Coby White and Nassir Little who play significant roles in the offense, but they are not up to the standard of Zion Williamson and company. Virginia should look to attack and pressure these two specifically who are inexperienced against the slow pace and pack line defense of the Cavaliers.

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