Virginia Basketball: 3 keys for Cavaliers to beat No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs

Guards must score at least 30 points combined in this game

When it comes to the offensive production this season, it’s been the frontcourt leading the way. Marquette senior transfer Sam Hauser leads the team with 13.4 ppg, while center Jay Huff has expanded his offensive game to average 11.6 ppg, while making 4/9 of deep. Rice transfer Trey Murphy has had a big impact early on as well, putting up 11.6 ppg as the team’s 6th man.

Just like last year though, the issues on offense lies on the outside. If you view Murphy as a wing/forward, that leaves a set of perimeter players who average between 5.2-7.2 ppg. Kihei Clark, Casey Morsell, Reece Beekman, and Thomas Woldetensae are the key rotation players, with  Kody Stattmann getting some minutes as well.

Among the group, Clark (7.2 ppg) is the best overall player. But at just 5’9, he’ll be at a distinct disadvantage against the Gonzaga guards, all at least 6’5. And only Woldetensae is considered a threat from deep, as the other three have made five three-pointers combined. Gonzaga’s defense is solid but certainly not overwhelming, as they’ll allow a fair amount of three-points as they prefer to keep their man in front of them.

If these guards can’t hit shots, that puts a ton of pressure on Huff and Hauser to produce at a high level. And the Bulldogs have the frontcourt players that’ll at least frustrate them. This would be a perfect game for Morsell to break out offensively, although he may have his hands full on the other end of the court.