The end of the ACC regular season is fast approaching, and the Virginia women's basketball team still has a fighting chance to grab second place in the league
With a win tonight against No. 19 North Carolina, Virginia's chances at second place drastically would improve. Tonight's matchup will be held at University Hall. Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m.
The Tarheels (21-6 overall, 10-4 ACC) enter this game with a scorching seven-game win streak as they come off an impressive 71-62 victory against Georgia Tech on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers (15-10, 8-6) enter with their own three game winning streak after knocking off Maryland on Sunday.
Coach Debbie Ryan said she realizes the significance of tonight's game before the start of the postseason.
"We know where we are, and we also know that our destiny's in our own hands," Ryan said. "We don't really talk much about the NCAA picture, but obviously its starting to shake down."
The Cavaliers have much to be proud of already. They were picked to finish eighth in the ACC, but they currently sit in third place with a chance to finish in a tie for second. Virginia is two games behind North Carolina in the ACC standings, with two more games to play. They finish off their season against Florida State Sunday afternoon.
Tonight's game will be emotional for the Cavalier seniors, especially Telisha Quarles, since it will be her last game ever at University Hall.
"I can't believe that my time here went so fast," Quarles said. "It feels like I just got here. It really hasn't hit me yet, but I'm sure Thursday I will be a little emotional when I walk out with my parents."
Virginia will hold a special senior ceremony before the game to honor their senior class.
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Tonight also will mark the last home game of the season for freshman sensation Brandi Teamer. She leads the ACC in rebounds and double-doubles and is now an All-American candidate.
North Carolina will come out fighting. The Tarheels would much rather secure second place in the ACC tonight with a win against the Cavaliers rather than having to depend on a win against the undefeated Blue Devils in their final game of season Sunday.
Last time these two teams met Jan. 27 in North Carolina, the Tarheels were able to outplay the Cavaliers and win by a comfortable 15-point margin,.
However, Quarles said she is confident that if the Cavaliers can "play good transition defense and keep our turnovers down," Virginia will win.
Odds are not in Virginia's favor, looking at its record this season against higher ranked opponents. The Cavaleirs' win against Georgia Tech on Feb. 11 was the only time they have beaten an opponent that was ranked higher than them in the ACC.
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