Comparing Defenses: Kentucky and Virginia

Now I know you may be confused about the title of this post. “Why compare the defenses of Virginia and Kentucky? They don’t even play each other!” Well, after UVA (who in my opinion are one of the most underrated teams in the nation) throttled Harvard this afternoon in Kentucky-like fashion 76-27, Jay Williams of ESPN has declared Virginia has the best defense in the nation.

Let’s see…

Points Per Game: UK-47.7 | UVA-46.2

Steals: UK-8.2 | UVA-5.9

Blocks: UK 8.7 | UVA-5.3

Field Goal Percentage: UK-30% | UVA-31%

Defensive Efficiency: UK-.703 points per possession | UVA-.800 points per possession

Statistically Kentucky has the edge in three of the four major defensive categories. Jay William’s argument was that Virginia is a better fundamental defensive basketball team, and that Kentucky’s shot-blocking erases the mistakes the defense makes, whereas the Cavaliers don’t make those mistakes in the first place.

For the record, Jay doesn’t think Virginia could beat UK…

Seth, UVA is great defensively but still don’t think they can beat UK. “@SethDavisHoops: @GoodmanESPN @RealJayWilliams @ESPNCBB exactly”

– Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) December 21, 2014

I’d say a Kentucky/Virginia match-up in the NCAA Tournament would clearly be a low scoring, but entertaining game. Who’s up for a 26-24 final score in the championship game?

@WilderTreadKSR