Wahoo Preview: No. 6 Virginia at Virginia Tech

By Scott Ratcliffe

The sixth-ranked Virginia men’s basketball team looks for its second season sweep of an ACC opponent this week, as the Cavaliers travel to Blacksburg for a noon tip off at Virginia Tech.

The Wahoos (17-3, 9-2 ACC) have won their last seven games (and nine of their last 10), and defeated the Hokies by 10 a few weeks back at John Paul Jones Arena.

Tech (13-9, 3-8), meanwhile, has dropped eight of its last 10, but has won two of its last three. Senior guard Hunter Cattoor (10.9 ppg) recently made his return to the lineup after sitting out several games with an injury.

Wright State grad-transfer forward Grant Basile is averaging 22 points and 7.7 rebounds across the Hokies’ last three games.

Sophomore guard Sean Pedulla is the Hokies’ leading scorer on the season with 15.7 points per game.

In the first meeting on Jan. 18, UVA’s entire starting five scored in double figures, with Kihei Clark leading the way with 20 points and 5 assists. Virginia has won seven of the last 10 meetings in the series, and each of the last two at Cassell Coliseum. Saturday’s game will be televised on ESPN2. The Hoos are a slim one-point favorite, according to Caesars Sportsbook.