The Cavaliers hope to represent the ACC well and defend their top 25 ranking tonight as they face-off against Purdue on the third night of the eighth annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge. The game in West Lafayette, Ind. will be the Cavaliers' first road test of the season. Virginia is looking to improve on last year's 2-11 record away from home, and road wins against quality teams are crucial for building a résumé for the NCAA Tournament in March.
Virginia has been successful in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge in the past, posting a 4-2 record including a win over the Boilermakers in 2000. However, the Cavaliers only hold a 1-2 mark on the road in the Challenge.
"This is an opportunity that we have in front of us, a challenge that we have before us Wednesday to do something that we didn't do very well last year, which is win on the road." Virginia coach Dave Leitao said.
The road experience should be invaluable for a freshman class that is still trying to integrate itself into the college game. Several freshmen have played large chunks of time this season, especially in the last game against Maryland-Eastern Shore. Freshman guard Will Harris and freshman forward Jamil Tucker played 20 and 17 minutes, respectively. Freshman forward Jerome Meyinsse scored nine points in limited action. If the freshmen continue to improve, it will give the Cavaliers depth that they lacked for most of last season. Added depth will allow Leitao to rest some of the upperclassmen for longer stretches of time.
A strong start will be crucial for Virginia against a solid Purdue team that finished fifth in the EA-Sports Maui Invitational. The Boilermakers have outscored their opponents 181-136 in the first half of games so far this season.
"I don't want to be sitting [at Purdue] down 19 trying to figure out a way to come back," Leitao said. "We've got to be good and more consistent in our effort, especially on the defensive end."
On defense, the Cavaliers' number one priority will be to try and contain redshirt senior forward Carl Landry. Landry sat out most of last season with a knee injury, although he did score 35 points against South Alabama. In the 2004-05 season, Landry was a second-team All-Big Ten selection. Landry picked up this season right where he left off before his injury, averaging 19.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Landry teams up with sophomore forward Gordon Watt to give Purdue a strong presence in the post.
Virginia will need to play at an up-tempo pace in this game to spread the floor and take advantage of their speed on the perimeter. Purdue has shown a weakness for turning the ball over, with 76 turnovers on the year. Landry leads the team with 18 turnovers. If junior guard Sean Singletary can push the pace, the Boilermakers may self-destruct.
"We know they're a good team at home." Singletary said. "They have good fans, and we know they are going to be backing them the whole way. It's a big game for them. It's a big game for us."
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