Oregon vs. Virginia: Key storylines for 2019 Sweet Sixteen matchup

Will Kyle Guy get going?

In the first two games of the NCAA Tournament, junior guard Kyle Guy has connected on just one of 15 attempts from three-point range. The All-ACC guard is one of the top shooters in the country and has never had back-to-back games where’s he has struggled this badly. Can he break out against a tough Oregon defense?

In Virginia’s loss to Florida State in the ACC Tournament semifinals, the Cavaliers struggled a bit against FSU’s length and athleticism. In that regard, Oregon is an extremely similar team. While Oregon may not have Florida State’s overall talent, the teams are similar in terms of defensive length and athleticism.

Virginia is No. 2 in the nation three-point field-goal defense allowing opponents to shoot just 27 percent from beyond the arc. What you may not know is Oregon is No. 6 in the nation, allowing opposing three-point shooters to shoot just 29 percent from beyond the arc. The Ducks will present quite the challenge for Guy to get off his schneid.

Guy found some ways to impact the game in the win over Oklahoma. He played good defense, rebounded well and had a pair of sensational passes. But for the Wahoos to get past the Ducks on Thursday night, they’ll need Guy to contribute offensively. While he may not light up the scoreboard, Virginia will need a solid effort from Guy, in particular from beyond the arc.

If Guy gets going, the Cavaliers will be tough to beat. If not, Virginia will have to scrap for the win over the red-hot Ducks. And the more Guy gets going from three-point land, it opens up more opportunies for Ty Jerome and De’Andre Hunter.