Virginia - Albany Preview

Virginia (4) Vs. Albany (13)
Friday, 3/16 @ 12:15
Betting Line From Bookmaker: Virginia -8.5

The Virginia Cavaliers (20- 10, 11- 5 ACC) tied for first with North Carolina in their division and, along the way, beat #21 Virginia Tech, #22 Maryland, #17 Clemson and #10 Duke. Those victories helped secure its position in the tournament. Albany (23- 9, 13- 3 Am. East) finished second in its league and won the American East tourney by beating first-place Vermont 60- 59.

Virginia works with two exemplary guards. Junior Sean Singletary (18.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.6 APG) and senior J.R. Reynolds (17.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.9 APG) can both score and dish off. Singletary hits threes at 40%, while Reynolds knocks them in at 35%. Mamadi Diane (9.9 PPG, 3.5 RPG) and Adrian Joseph (7.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG) are both 35% three-point shooters. Senior forward Jason Cain (6.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG) is the best rebounder on the team. The Cavaliers averaged over 8 three-pointers per game, but they must also get top play from their inside guys, including Cain.

The Albany club will need to work hard to upset Virginia. Senior guard Jamar Wilson (18.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 4.9 APG) leads the team in points, rebounds and assists per game. Other leaders include two forwards-- senior Jason Siggers (13.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG) and junior Brent Wilson (10.9 PPG, 5.1 RPG), both of whom are tough inside.

The Cavaliers are in charge, especially in terms of waging a balanced attack. Albany’s Wilson has the energy and talent to inspire and motivate a first-round upset.

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