Seattle Poses Tough Match-up

Joe HarrisThe Virginia men’s basketball team welcomes Seattle to the John Paul Jones Arena on Saturday for a 4 p.m. contest that is available to watch on ESPN3.

This is the third meeting in three years with the Redhawks. If the first two contests are any indication, this will be a tough match-up for the Hoos. In 2010-2011, Seattle shocked the Cavaliers at the JPJ with a 59-53 victory. Last season, Virginia survived out west with a 83-77 win thanks to a Herculean effort from Mike Scott, who had 33 points (12-of-14 shooting) and 14 rebounds. In that contest, Seattle sped up UVa with constant fullcourt pressure. The Redhawks also tested the Pack-Line defense with an undersized team by spreading the floor and screening the D while driving and kicking to quick shots. Overall, Seattle coach Cameron Dollar has done as good of a job as any opponent in attacking the Pack-Line and game-planning for the Hoos.

So far this season, Seattle scored 117 in an exhibition game and 87 in a 15-point win against Montana State to open the season. Clarence Trent had 18 points in the opener to lead the Redhawks; he posted 12 against UVa last season.

“They’re talented. I know a lot of the guys that play on the team because I’m from the area,” Virginia’s Joe Harris said. “They’re a talented team. They’re looking to put points on the board. They like to just get out and go. If the game is in the 70’s and 80’s, that’s what they want. I guess it will be another test for our defense to see how well we can defend transition and being able to make them work.”