On Thursday begins the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament. I watch as many tournaments as I can, but this is my conference, so a little special coverage.
* Noon ET: (9) Miami vs. (8) Virginia Tech
Regular season matchup: VT wins 88-83 (OT)
It is conceivable that Miami could win this game. VT has lost three in a row to three of the conference's best teams and their chances of an at-large bid are virtually over. So are Miami's. If McClinton is shooting the lights out, Miami will probably win.
* 2pm ET: (12) Georgia Tech vs. (5) Clemson
Regular season matchups: Clemson wins both, 73-59 and 81-73
It's tough to beat a team three times in a season, and this Georgia Tech team battles despite their status as the worst team in the league, but Clemson can and should win. Clemson has cooled off and lost 3 of 4, but GT has lost 8 of 9 and have nothing left to lose (except one more game). A GT win would be a major upset, so I'll stick with Clemson.
* 7pm ET: (10) NC State vs. (7) Maryland
Regular season matchup: Maryland wins 71-60
In the last 2 weeks, Maryland has seen their chances at an at-large bid (which were decently good) melt away, particularly after their killer loss to Virginia. NC State isn't in much of a different position, having lost several of their last few games and are on the outside of the NCAA picture. NC State has nothing to lose and Maryland might just mail it in (and I'm kind of expecting it). Maryland should win, but NC State can pull the upset.
* 9pm ET: (11) Virginia vs. (6) Boston College
Regular season matchup: BC wins 80-70
The first time these teams played, BC was running the Hoos out of their own gym until a late run slimmed the deficit from the 20+ point range. Sylvan Landesberg is a damn good freshman player for UVA. The Eagles are playing for NCAA seeding now and would like to win to see if they can beat Duke again. If the Eagles contain Landesberg, it's theirs in a walk.
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