Preview: SMU Mustangs at Virginia Cavaliers CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (Interstat) — A surging Virginia women’s basketball team will look to extend its winning streak when it hosts SMU in an Atlantic Coast Conference matchup Monday at John Paul Jones Arena. The Cavaliers (9-3) have won three straight, including a dominant 88-53 victory over Winthrop on Dec. 20. They are led by guard Kymora Johnson, who is coming off a historic performance, scoring 41 points to go with six rebounds and five assists in that win. Johnson has averaged 20.8 points over her last five games. Virginia’s offense has been potent during its streak, averaging 81.7 points per game in the three wins. Paris Clark nearly recorded a triple-double against Winthrop with 11 points, nine rebounds and 12 assists. SMU (7-6) arrives having won three of its last four, most recently a 74-62 home win over Southern on Dec. 21. The Mustangs are led by guard Paulina Paris, who scored 18 points in each of the last two victories. Paris has been a consistent scorer, reaching double figures in four of her last five outings. The Mustangs will face a significant challenge in Virginia’s defense, which has held opponents to an average of 52.7 points during the current win streak. SMU’s offense, averaging 70.2 points per game, will need contributions beyond Paris. Kyla Deck and Jzaniya Harriel each added 13 points in the win over Southern. This game marks the start of ACC play for both teams. Virginia will look to protect its home court, where it is 6-1 this season. SMU, which is 2-3 in true road games, seeks a statement win to open its conference schedule. Tipoff is set for Monday evening. Virginia hosts Clemson next on Jan. 1, while SMU travels to face Louisville on the same day.