Wright State Got Wrong Opponent

Like most UVA fans when the bracket popped up, I didn’t know much about Wright State. Hadn’t watched them, didn’t know their players, didn’t know their style. After looking into it a little though, one thing stands out pretty quickly — they haven’t seen anything like Virginia all year.

So honestly the question for me isn’t really about the outcome. It’s about how quickly the Hoos make that clear.

Can Virginia come out sharp and put this to bed early? That’s what I want to see. A quick start, a double-digit lead, and the kind of defensive tone that reminds everyone there are levels to this. It would also calm a fan base (myself included) that still gets a little nervous this time of year after not winning an NCAA Tournament game since the 2019 national title.

If Wright State wants to attack the paint the way they usually do, they’re walking right into the strength of this team. Ugonna Onyenso just blocked 21 shots in three ACC Tournament games against high-level competition. Twenty-one. So how many does he get Friday? Five? Six?

And if Johann Grünloh is healthy and moving well, that’s another rim protector waiting for them.

I’d also love to see Thijs De Ridder bounce back after a quiet ACC championship game. He’s been one of the most consistent players on the team all year and this feels like the kind of matchup where he can get back on track early.

At the end of the day this just feels like a game where Virginia’s speed, size, and athleticism could overwhelm a team that simply hasn’t seen anything close to it this season.

As a fan, I’m not looking for drama Friday. Give me a fast start, a few Ugo blocks, De Ridder getting going again, and the Hoos reminding everyone pretty quickly that Wright State probably got the wrong opponent. Go Hoos!

Final Score Prediction:

UVa 86 Wright State 64