UVA Basketball: Keys to beating Purdue in the Elite Eight

Virginia basketball is 40 minutes away from the Final Four. What will the Cavaliers need to do in order to knock off Purdue and achieve that goal?

Virginia basketball has been regarded as the best team in the entire country throughout this system by many predictive metrics. Now, after dispatching Oregon in the Sweet 16, the Cavaliers are just 40 minutes away from reaching their first ever Final Four under head coach Tony Bennett – and their first as a program since 1984. This season has been absolutely spectacular for the program as they boast a 32-3 record and are ranked in the top-3 in both adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency. In fact, only two other teams have ever exhibited a higher adjusted efficiency margin that this squad: the 2015 Kentucky team that lost in the Final Four to finish 38-1, and the 2008 Kansas team that won the national title.

In the Sweet 16, Virginia basketball won a hard-fought battle over Oregon. As many expected headed in, the matchup featured superb defense on both sides as the Cavaliers only posted 52 points in the victory. The triumph really showed how dominant Virginia can be on defense, though, as they won despite shooting 35.7% from the field, 27.3% from three, and only attempting five total free throws. This may have worked against the Ducks, but the Cavaliers will need to put forth a much better offensive performance in the Elite Eight if they want to get past the Purdue Boilermakers.

Purdue is coming off of a win over Tennessee in the Sweet 16 and they have an absolute stud leading the way in the form of Carsen Edwards. Head coach Matt Painter’s team is tremendous on the offensive end of the floor and will likely prove to be a major challenge to Virginia. So, without any further ado, let’s dive into breaking down three key facets of the game for the Cavaliers heading into this matchup.

(Note: All statistics used in this piece were found via Sports-Reference and KenPom.)