As if facing the No. 1 team in the nation wasn't enough for one week, the Virginia men's basketball team will turn around to face No. 3 Maryland tonight at University Hall.
Regardless of the final score, the fallout from tonight's game will be crucial for Virginia's reputation. After their performance in the Duke game, a win would further convince critics that Virginia (14-3, 4-3 ACC) can contend with the nation's elite teams.
A loss, however, could cast doubt on the Cavaliers' ability to withstand their current rough stretch of games, featuring Duke, Maryland (16-3, 6-1 ACC) and No. 24 Missouri.
The Cavaliers are looking to rebound from their loss to Duke on Sunday, with the home court advantage on their side.
The last four times Virginia has faced the Terps, the home team always has walked away with a win.
"Our home court is always an advantage," Virginia coach Pete Gillen said. "We are making improvements in every phase of the game, but we are playing a rough stretch."
To the Cavaliers, the Maryland attack will look all too familiar. Maryland has lost only one member of last year's team, and sophomore Chris Wilcox (11.1 points, 7.7 rebounds) fills that void with a mix of athleticism and touch.
Joining Wilcox in the front court will be All-ACC performer Lonny Baxter (15.1 points, 8.2 rebounds), who is similar to Virginia's own junior Travis Watson (12.8 points, 10.8 rebounds). Like Watson, Baxter is a banger who comes across most of his points in the low post. Watson will need to control Baxter down low for the Cavaliers, while staying out of foul trouble.
Maryland's swing forward will be senior Byron Mouton (10.4 points, 4.5 rebounds) who can play in the paint or move out to the perimeter. He will split time with Drew Nicholas to give the Terrapins a three-guard look.
Running the game for Maryland will be junior point guard Steve Blake (7.3 points, 7.6 assists) and Juan Dixon (19.3 points, 3.5 steals). Dixon is one of the best guards in the ACC becoming the ACC's third best career steals leader with 307, while coming in second in scoring in the conference this season.
Calling the plays will be Blake, who is one of the better point guards in the conference. Maryland is at its best when Blake consistently connects on his jump shot, effectively creating a two-pronged offensive threat.
Dixon and Blake are sure to put the pressure on Virginia freshman point guard Keith Jenifer. If Jenifer can come up with the effort he had against Duke (no turnovers in 33 minutes), Virginia will be in good hands.
"We are right in the middle of a tough stretch so we have to be ready," senior Chris Williams said. "They have so many good players on that team. We need to be ready to play."
For the Cavaliers, they will need Roger Mason Jr. (17.9 points, 4.6 assists) to shoot his way out of his slump, as he is the team's leading scorer. Williams (14.4 points, 6.5 rebounds) also will have to come up big to give Virginia enough of a scoring threat to beat the Terrapins.
While the Cavaliers hope to have Adam Hall back on the court - his status still is up in the air - they will have a valuable sixth player in the stands.
Students have been camping out in self-proclaimed "Hooville" for over a week and a half, in order to secure prime seating for tonight's game.
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