Tobacco Road Report

Today, we begin our preview of ACC teams in the NCAA tournament.

Site: Columbus, Ohio
Date: Friday, 3:30 pm

Records and Statistics:
Virginia Tech (21-11, 10-6)
EFG%: 51.4%
Points/Possession: 1.07
Points Allowed/Possession: 0.95
High Scorer: Dowdell 18.0 ppg.
Rebounds: Deron Washington 5.4 rpg
Key Victories:
Maryland, UNC (2), Duke, Old Dominion
Common Opponents:
Iowa (1-0), Maryland (1-0)

Illinois (23-11, 9-7)
EFG%: 49.8%
Points/Possession: 1.01
Points Allowed/Possession: 0.89
High Scorer: Warren Carter 13.7 ppg.
Rebounds: Shuan Pruitt 7.3 rpg
Key Victories:
Indiana (2), Michigan State
Common Opponents:
Iowa (1-1), Maryland (0-1)

Last 10 Games:
Virginia Tech (5-5)
Illinois (7-3)

Analysis:
Illinois was probably one of the last two teams in the tournament, but don’t let the seeding fool you. Illinois has dealt with injuries and adversity much of the season and is just now starting to get healthy. Their offense is painful to watch as it features a series of side to side screens, on and off the ball. Their go-to player is Warren Carter, a versatile 4-man who has great ability at rubbing defenders off picks and finding space near the rim. He can also knock down the three ball when open and set. The 5 man, Shuan Pruitt is a solid rebounder with limited offensive skills, but he will cause problems for Collins and Washington down low. On the perimeter, Illinois is very inconsistent. Rich McBride and Chester Frazier are streaky, but both need space to hit their shots. Expect many long possessions with hoisted threes late in the clock for the Illini.