After suffering a tough loss in Atlanta to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Sunday the Virginia Cavaliers (3-2) are looking to bounce back at home against Fordham Rams (1-6) from the Atlantic 10 conference. Coming off one of the worst shooting nights in recent memory the Hoos will try to find their shooting touch at home in the confines of University Hall.
Fordham is coming off a double overtime 71-63 loss to Holy Cross. So far this season the Rams have a three headed monster in guards Jermaine Anderson (16.0 ppg), Curtis Stout (13.6 ppg), and forward Bryant Dunston (15.7 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 2.5 bpg). The Cavalier defense will have to make sure someone stays with Anderson at all times as he's shooting 47% on the year from the field and three point range as well. Anderson is also a perfect 19 of 19 from the free throw line so far.
Dunston is extremely active on the interior and has some size to bang with the Hoo frontcourt. The thing that makes him so dangerous is that while he's able to operate down low he can step out and knock down the perimeter jumper as well. He has range beyond the arc so Hoo defenders will have to pressure him outside as well.
The Virginia Cavaliers have seen steady play from freshman swingman Mamadi Diane (11.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg) and Dave Leitao has shown plenty of confidence in the youngster as he's started every game this year so far. Fellow freshman power forward Laurynas Mikalauskas (5.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg) saw his most extensive minutes of the year in the Georgia Tech game and he showed his prowess on the boards with 8 rebounds, 5 of them coming on the offensive end. "Lars" could stand to take a few more shots to keep the defense from keying on the perimeter players as he's shot less and less the last few games even though he's shooting 62% on the year.
Jason Cain (5.8 ppg, 6.8 rpg) is coming off his best game as a Hoo as he lead the team with 15 points and 11 rebounds in the loss to Georgia Tech. Dave Leitao gave his Philadelphia sparkplug the green light off the bench and Cain responded in great fashion. Don't be surprised if Cain is aggressive once again against the Rams tonight. Also look for sophomore swingman Adrian Joseph (8.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg) to get back on track and cause matchup problems for the Rams. Joseph has displayed flashes of the athleticism that makes him such a dangerous threat when he gets in rhythm.
Point guard T.J. Bannister saw some action against Georgia Tech and although he's not 100 percent expect Leitao to gradually build his minutes as his contributions will be crucial as the season progresses. Bannister's presence on the court means that the team will continue to push a fast pace when possible.
The Hoo backcourt of point guard Sean Singletary (17.2 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg) and shooting guard J.R. Reynolds (12.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 4.2 apg) are coming off what has to be their worst shooting night as a duo. Look for the pair to bounce back in big fashion tonight. Both players are very resilient and have put Sunday's game behind them and are ready to lead the Cavaliers back into the win column.
Tipoff is set for 7 PM. The game will not be televised.