The Virginia Cavaliers are gearing up for a high-stakes clash in Durham against the top-ranked Duke Blue Devils this Saturday. It's a golden opportunity for UVA to notch their second-ever victory against a No. 1-ranked team, a feat they last achieved back in 1986 against UNC.
This matchup is more than just a game; it’s likely the decider for the ACC regular season title and the coveted top seed in the ACC Tournament. Duke currently sits atop the conference, but Virginia is hot on their heels, just one game behind. The Cavaliers boast an impressive 25-3 overall record, with a 13-2 mark in conference play.
Virginia is riding high after a commanding 90-61 win over NC State on Tuesday. The Cavaliers were lights out, shooting 53% from the field, 46% from beyond the arc, and an impressive 89% from the charity stripe. Their defense was just as formidable, holding NC State to a mere 29% shooting.
Leading the charge for UVA was Thijs De Ridder, who poured in a team-high 19 points. He was well-supported by Sam Lewis (16), Malik Thomas (12), Chance Mallory (11), and Jacari White (15), all of whom hit double figures.
On the other side, Duke enters Saturday’s showdown with a stellar 26-2 record overall and a 14-1 record in the ACC. They’re coming off a dominant 100-56 win over Notre Dame, where they showcased their depth and skill. The Blue Devils were nearly perfect from the free-throw line, hitting 34 of 38 attempts and leading by as many as 46 points.
Cameron Boozer was the standout performer for Duke, tallying 24 points and 13 rebounds. He had plenty of help, with Patrick Ngongba (13), Isaiah Evans (10), Caleb Foster (13), Cayden Boozer (10), and Darren Harris (16) all contributing significantly.
After this pivotal matchup, UVA will return to home turf for their final two games, hosting Wake Forest on Tuesday and Virginia Tech on Saturday.
In terms of rankings, Duke holds the top spot in both the AP and Coaches polls, with a #2 ranking in KenPom. Meanwhile, Virginia is ranked #14 in KenPom, #11 in the AP, and #12 in the Coaches poll. This game promises to be a thrilling contest between two powerhouse programs with everything on the line.