The Virginia Cavaliers opened their 2026-2027 campaign against Drexel on Tuesday evening, leaving John Paul Jones Arena as victors in convincing fashion. Although Ryan Odom admitted to the team being sloppy at times, especially early on in the second half, it was an overall dominant effort from the ‘Hoos and one that should have filled every fan with excitement for the upcoming season.
The ‘Hoos next date is at home against the Northeastern Huskies. Northeastern is led by longtime head coach Bill
Coen, who enters his 21st season. The Huskies dropped their season opener “on the road” to Boston University, 93-85. Rashad King led the way with 21 points, Dorian Grosber had 18, and Mike Loughnane was the third and final member of the double-digit points club with 10.
Expect more of the same if you plan to tune in or attend this one on Friday. Virginia will suffocate Northeastern with their pressure and cause turnovers; they will dominate on the glass and be too much for the Huskies on offense.
Three things to watch in this one will be:
Virginia’s size overwhelming Northeastern
Just like on Tuesday, Virginia’s front court will play a major role in this one. The Cavaliers won the rebound battle 42-33, and 44 of their 89 points came from inside the paint. On the flip side, Northeastern struggled to defend the paint against Boston, giving up 50 points inside. Preseason ACC Player of the Year, Thijs De Ridder, and 7-footer Johann Grunloh should have big games on the board and in the points column after this one is wrapped up.
Northeastern may prioritize defending the paint, and Virginia should impose its will and still seek easy buckets around the rim, but if the Huskies call double teams, it could allow Virginia to light it up from behind the arc.
Efficiency on offense
Although Virginia won in convincing fashion against Drexel, it certainly wasn’t flawless. The ‘Hoos missed a lot of open shots from behind the arc and saw six turnovers from their star point guard, Chance Mallory. If Ryan Odom and his team are to succeed this season, they have to clean up both issues. Look for an emphasis on a clean game before their high-level matchup against #12 Arkansas in Washington, D.C. on Sunday afternoon.
Friday’s matchup is another chance for this team to get into a rhythm before facing more dangerous opponents. The result of this game may not be in doubt, but Odom will be looking for an efficient game out of his squad for a full 40 minutes.
Contain the King
Not actually a king, but Rashad King will most certainly be an all-CAA selection by the end of the year, as he was for the 2025 season before transferring to LSU. Now he is back with the Huskies without missing a step after a 21-point performance in their season opener.
Containing King will look like forcing him into tough shots and limiting his ability to get to the rim, as he struggles from behind the arc. Making him a facilitator instead of the main bucket-getter should be the goal for the ‘Hoos on defense.
