November is not typically a month known for great college basketball games. That stereotype, however, will be challenged this weekend as the Virginia men's basketball team travels west to take on the Arizona Wildcats Saturday. Despite the geographic distances between the two programs, a bit of a rivalry has developed. Games between the Cavaliers and the Wildcats have grown into an annual trend over the past four seasons as each team has hosted a home game biennially during this period.
Virginia got the best of Arizona last year when the Cavaliers narrowly defeated the Wildcats in the opener at John Paul Jones Arena. Virginia won the game 93-90 after embarking on a brilliant second-half comeback. The Cavaliers were down by as many as 13 points at half time, but came back to steal victory in the closing minutes of the game. Afterward, Arizona coach Lute Olson and his players were visibly disappointed and a bit disgusted with their play. There is no doubt that Arizona will be inspired in this year's matchup and will be gunning for the Cavaliers.
"It's definitely going to be a big game," freshman guard Jeff Jones said. "We beat them here last year, so they'll take it personally. It's our first road trip, so it's going to test us and tell us where we're at. We've got to be mentally tough and just play hard every single second."
Last year Arizona went through a difficult season. The Wildcats experienced significant injuries and struggled to make the NCAA Tournament. Last year's results, however, are probably an exception. Over the past 10 years Arizona, due to the guidance of Olson, has established itself as a college basketball powerhouse. Olson has guided the Wildcats to an NCAA championship as well as numerous NCAA Tournament appearances and Pac-10 Championships.
Furthermore, Arizona has a rising star that will present significant problems for Virginia. Sophomore forward Chase Budinger is a dynamic and athletic player who can score from anywhere on the court. He has an uncanny ability to use his height, 6-foot-7, to position himself for points in the paint. Additionally, Budinger has a great perimeter game and jump-shot. Budinger's versatility makes him a dual threat, from the outside and the inside. He will be incredibly difficult to defend and will likely be guarded by a combination of Cavaliers.
"He is probably one of the best athletes we will face all season," Virginia coach Dave Leitao said.
In order for Virginia to succeed, it will need to establish some sort of consistency. An influx of new players and the departure of 2007 graduates Jason Cain and J.R. Reynolds have made things difficult for Virginia. Leitao has struggled to find a lineup that can consistently perform well and work together. Thus, he has experimented with many different lineups through the first two games. During Wednesday's game versus Howard, Leitao shuffled the lineup early and often in search of the best possible combination.
"We tried different combinations to see who was ready to do what we wanted to do," Leitao said. "I was just trying to give guys early looks to see who and what guys would play better together or even individually."
Players and coaches agree that they will need to get things hammered down before they travel west to face Arizona. The Wildcats will surely be ready to capitalize on any Virginia mistakes.
"I think this trip to Arizona is really a true test," junior forward Mamadi Diane said. "We're going out here to play hard and get a win"
Read More
Virginia annihilated 41-14 in a must-win contest versus North Carolina
By Peter Kriebel | YesterdayJust about everything that could have gone wrong for Virginia football went wrong.
No. 24 women’s soccer not to be denied in late win over Clemson
By Sam Chun | YesterdayThe Cavaliers topped Clemson 1-0 in front of a packed out Klöckner Stadium.
Men’s soccer, totally discombobulated, capitulates early to No. 5 Pittsburgh
By Michael Liebermann | YesterdayPittsburgh set a program record for the quickest cluster of three goals.
