After a couple of rocky video games, Virginia can easy issues over with a win over Virginia Tech – The Cavalier Every day

Now coming into the final stretch of the common season, Virginia stands at a crossroads. What started as an thrilling, explosive 6-0 run to start out convention play has since mellowed out, outlined by turbulent wins and hard-fought losses.

Virginia (15-6, 7-3 ACC) ranks No. 6 within the ACC, offering a vital alternative for the Cavaliers to climb within the standings over Virginia Tech. The Commonwealth Clash, kicking off Sunday, hardly ever wants further motivation — the deep-rooted rivalry is greater than sufficient — however this yr’s contest comes at a time when the Cavaliers are combating to carve out a path to the postseason.

Virginia is getting into the match-up coming off a triple additional time thriller at Wake Forest, a recreation the squad narrowly survived after blowing an 18-point lead throughout regulation. But towards the Hokies, the Cavaliers will want a extra full efficiency to depart Blacksburg with a victory. 

Over the previous two seasons, the groups have break up wins. In the 2025 season, each groups gained of their opponent’s enviornment, whereas every squad gained in their very own enviornment within the 2024 season. Of course, this season the Cavaliers hope to clinch each Commonwealth Clashes, a feat that Virginia has not completed for the reason that 2017-2018 season.

Virginia Tech (17-5, 7-3 ACC) has had a powerful season, its offense displaying versatility and skill to regulate the tempo, disrupting rhythms and forcing turnovers — schemes sure to current a problem for Coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton’s workforce. The Hokies have leaned on a balanced assault all season, with a number of gamers displaying the potential to step up on any given night time. Their offense averages 74.5 factors per recreation with a balanced scoring effort, coming into this recreation on a six-game win streak.   

That mentioned, two of Virginia Tech’s defining losses have come from mediocre groups — James Madison and Miami. The additional time loss to the Hurricanes was particularly poor, blowing an 18-point third-quarter result in a workforce that resides on the backside of the ACC as a consequence of lackluster protection. Beyond the losses, the Hokies typically battle to get into an offensive rhythm within the first half, forcing them to play catch-up in late-game conditions. 

So, for the Cavaliers, there may be room to use Hokie errors, however they need to handle the controllables to safe a win. Three keys might dictate the sport’s final result.

Fast begin

Virginia should set the tone early. Like the Hokies, the Cavaliers typically discover themselves outlined by sluggish begins, lacking straightforward pictures or struggling sloppy turnovers. In a match-up as tight as this one, Virginia wants to return out of the gate with depth and urgency — both driving into the paint or organising high-percentage pictures. 

Cohesive offense 

Virginia Tech goes to make it some extent to smother junior guard Kymora Johnson. Johnson, who’s averaging practically 19 factors per recreation, is a risk to the Hokies, however she can not carry the workforce alone. The Cavaliers will need to have a number of gamers step up, comparable to senior ahead Tabitha Amanze or junior ahead Sa’Myah Smith, crashing the glass within the paint to create a defensive battle and capitalize on transition offense. 

Minimize turnovers and maximize free throws

Turnovers may be deadly towards a workforce like Virginia Tech, which thrives on changing errors into factors. Though Virginia can battle at occasions to guard the ball — averaging practically 15 turnovers per recreation — heightened self-discipline can forestall the Hokies from working away with the sport. Additionally, the Cavaliers should be capable to capitalize on their free throws. Currently, Virginia Tech is averaging 16.6 private fouls per recreation, giving Virginia ample alternatives to gather straightforward factors.

Ultimately, the century-long rivalry match-up is sure to be thrilling, and Virginia has 40 minutes to play their greatest basketball. Tip-off begins at 2:00 pm Sunday in Cassell Coliseum on ACCNX.