Virginia-Maryland Hoops Preview

Virginia and Maryland square off tonight at 7:00 PM. Nik Caner-Medley and D.J. Strawberry lead the Terps against the Cavaliers' Sean Singletary and J.R. Reynolds. Inside a look at the key players in the matchup. This ACC battle could be a telling game for the seasons of both teams.

Tuesday night the Virginia Cavaliers (11-8, 5-4) travel to College Park to take on the Maryland Terrapins (14-7, 4-4). The battle looms as a pivotal game for Dave Leitao's team as they've exceeded expectations but the task tonight puts the Cavaliers in a hostile environment against a bitter rival in the Terps. Coming off a heart pumping victory over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons last Saturday the Hoos will need to summon all of their ability and focus in order to escape College Park with a victory.

Wake Forest got a dose of just how physical and persistent the young Virginia Cavaliers can be on the backboard as they thrashed the ACC's #1 rebounding team, Wake Forest, 46-25 on the glass. Afterwards Leitao said, "The rebounding margin was huge. 21 offensive rebounds against the best offensive rebounding team in the league speaks to our stick-to-itiveness on a day when our defense didn't really live up to its potential." To give themselves a real shot Dave Leitao's team will need to have another huge effort on the boards against Maryland. Jason Cain and Laurynas Mikalauskas have provided much of the muscle inside for the Hoos but Mamadi Diane added a career high 10 rebounds in the victory over Wake Forest Saturday. A concerted team effort will be expected again to keep Maryland's chances to a minimum and to maximize the Hoos' offensive chances.

While the glass will be key to the outcome of the game guard play will probably be the biggest factor in the cards for the Hoos. The phrase "sophomore slump" obviously doesn't apply to point guard Sean Singletary as he's arguably the ACC's premier floor general this season. Singletary's ability to get easy buckets due to his speed and cutting ability have helped him average 18.1 points a game this year. Add to that the 4.2 rpg, 5.1 apg, and 1.9 spg that he averages and it's easy to see why he's already getting all-ACC first team consideration. His backcourt partner shooting guard J.R. Reynolds is also enjoying a solid season thus far. Reynolds hit the game winner against Wake and his numbers are equally as impressive (15.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.2 apg).

Inside Jason Cain anchors the paint averaging 8.5 ppg and 8.0 rpg. Cain's improvement has been a breathe of fresh air for the team as many were uncertain of a solid post presence for the team coming into the year. He hasn't been the only player in the paint showing vast improvement as freshman Lars Mikalauskas has grown up a lot in his first year in Charlottesville. The fouls have slowed down a good bit and the powerful youngster has provided not only muscle but some help on the boards and some budding post moves as well. The frontcourt rotation is rounded out by center Tunji Soroye who has struggled with foul problems due to being out of position often times. Soroye will need to try and circumvent those issues to try and keep the frontcourt as fresh as possible.

Adrian Joseph has also been a big time player this year for the Cavaliers. The sophomore small forward has continued his perimeter assault from behind the arc but has also been using his athleticism to help out on the boards. While he's put it on the floor a little more off the dribble it's still clear that he prefers to spot up outside and shoot from outside. Joseph is averaging 10.4 ppg and 4.9 rpg on the year.

Freshman swingman Mamadi Diane has been in somewhat of a offensive slump from the perimeter but as Dave Leitao mentioned after the game he likes that the youngster found ways to contribute in other areas. His offensive rebound late in the game helped seal the victory for the Cavaliers. Diane, an outstanding shooter, will just have to shoot himself out of the slump and when he does it makes the Cavs just that much more dangerous to deal with.

Maryland recently took a hit with the loss of senior Chris McCray but don't expect the Terps to be any easier to play in College Park. Nik Caner-Medley leads the Terp attack with 15.3 ppg and 6.5 rpg while Ekene Ibekwe also hits for double figures with 10.8 ppg and 6.2 rpg. Also getting big minutes inside for the Terps is Travis Garrison who is averaging 8.4 ppg.

On the perimeter for Gary Williams' team is D.J. Strawberry who is one of the league's top perimeter defenders. Expect Strawberry to hound Sean Singletary for most of the night to try and slow the UVa star down. Strawberry comes into tonight's matchup averaging 10.2 ppg and 4.1 apg. Long range bomber Mike Jones (9.0 ppg) is a player the Cavalier defense will have to keep close tabs on as the junior can light it up from behind the arc.

Swingman James Gist (8.7 ppg) is a superb athlete and will test the defensive capabilities of Joseph and Diane. Most of his offense comes in transition and from close in so getting a body on him to keep him from crashing the boards will be a noted assignment for the Hoos.

Tonight's game is important for both teams as they head down the stretch during conference play. The Terps have lost two straight so expect a spirited bunch to show up against the Cavaliers who will be looking to continue their upstart ways and pull off the mild upset. Postseason ramifications could be on the line as each game becomes all the more critical. Tipoff is set for 7:00 and the game will be televised on (FXSS) Fox Sports South.