NCAA Basketball: 2021 Legends Classic preview and predictions
By Matt Melton
Virginia Cavaliers
Arguably the most notable team in this season’s Legends Classic field is Virginia, as the Cavaliers will be coming to the Prudential Center needing to leave with two wins after a slow start to the season that includes losses to Houston and Navy. The Cavaliers are averaging 59.3 PPG across their first three games of the season, and are shooting a combined 39.7% from the field (31.5% from three) with two players averaging in double-figures.
Providence Friars
Providence is off to an undefeated start to the season owning home wins over Fairfield and Sacred Heart, as well as an impressive 63-58 road win at Wisconsin. The Friars are averaging a combined 78.3 PPG across the first three games of the season, and are an experienced team led by one of the top centers in the Big East in senior Nate Watson.
Northwestern Wildcats
The Wildcats also enter play undefeated for the season with the most notable wins coming against New Orleans and Eastern Illinois. Northwestern is averaging an impressive 86 PPG across their first three games this season, and are shooting a combined 48.4% from the field (36% from three) with 21 APG.
Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia owns a 2-1 record across their first three games of the season, with the lone loss coming on the road to Cincinnati. The Bulldogs have one of the newest looking rosters in college basketball compared to a year ago which features multiple transfers led by Gonzaga transfer guard Aaron Cook.