Virginia vs. Auburn: 5 key storylines in Final Four matchup

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - MARCH 30: Kyle Guy #5 of the Virginia Cavaliers celebrates after a three pointer against the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament South Regional at KFC YUM! Center on March 30, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 17: Bryce Brown #2 of the Auburn Tigers shoots the ball during the 84-64 win against the Tennessee Volunteers during the final of the SEC Basketball Championships at Bridgestone Arena on March 17, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

1. There will be a battle at the three-point line

One thing that will be a telling stat in this game will be what kind of numbers we see when it comes to the three-point line. On the year, the Tigers lead the country in total three-pointers made and trail only Savannah State in three-pointers attempted, and their 11.4 makes per game are third best in the sport.

They shoot 37.9% from beyond the arc and their top four three-point shooters all shoot it at over 37%, unfortunately, one of those Tigers, sophomore forward Chuma Okeke won’t be adding to any numbers, having suffered a torn ACL in the regional semifinal against North Carolina. During the Midwest regional, Auburn shot 40% from long-range and they will need consistency going up against Virginia.

Everyone knows about Virginia’s defensive prowess, and that includes the three-point line. The Cavaliers are the fourth-best team in the country at defending the long ball, allowing opponents to shoot just 28.7% but in their four games in the south regional teams shot over 38% from beyond the arc. How well Virginia is able to defend Auburn’s three-point shooters will be a big indicator of which team will find themselves playing on Monday night for the National Championship.

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