Virginia Cavaliers dominate in non-conference play against Green Bay Phoenix
- Virginia Cavaliers boast a 5-1 record in non-conference games and lead the ACC in fast break points.
- Green Bay Phoenix holds a 3-2 non-conference record and ranks fifth in the Horizon League for defensive performance.
- The game on November 28, 2024, exemplified the contrasting strengths of both teams and their seasons.
In Carolina, Puerto Rico, the Virginia Cavaliers and the Green Bay Phoenix faced off on November 28, 2024, marking their first meeting of the season. The Cavaliers entered the game with a strong record of 5-1 in non-conference games, showcasing their position as the top team in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). They excelled particularly in fast-paced play, averaging 25.7 fast breaks per game, which is a significant factor in their success. In contrast, the Green Bay Phoenix had a 3-2 record in non-conference matchups and were struggling defensively, giving up an average of 70.8 points per game, and allowing their opponents to shoot 45.1%, ranking fifth in the Horizon League for defensive proficiency. Each team had its strengths, with Virginia averaging 8.8 made three-pointers per game, outpacing Green Bay’s average of 6.4 made shots. Notably, Kymora Johnson stood out for the Cavaliers, contributing 17.3 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, while Natalie McNeal was a key player for the Phoenix, shooting 47.5% and averaging 13.4 points. Overall, the matchup highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two teams, with Virginia looking to maintain their strong non-conference record and capitalize on their offensive capabilities against a struggling Green Bay side.