ACC Tournament Preview

Thursday, March 12

No. 8 Virginia Tech vs No. 9 Miami

This game features two teams clinging to faint bubble hopes, in the ACC's best Thursday matchup.

I like the way Miami is playing a little better, having won three of their last four, while Virginia Tech has lost six of their last seven. (Though Miami's one recent defeat is a puzzling loss at ACC softie Georgia Tech.)

The Hokies have very solid players with A.D. Vassallo and Malcom Delaney, but Miami might have the ACC's best all-around player in Jack McClinton. McClinton won't let Miami lose this game.

Winner: Miami

No. 5 Clemson vs  No. 12 Georgia Tech

Paul Hewitt has managed to put together one of the worst coaching jobs in recent ACC memory—well at least since Matt Doherty was at UNC.

Two ACC wins for the number of Mcdonald's All-Americans on his squad?

Unless Lewis Clinch scores 30+ and drops at least seven 3-pointers, Clemson will coast in this tuneup.

Winner: Clemson

No. 7 Maryland vs No. 10 NC State

Maryland is another ACC team on the bubble. Unfortunately for the Terps, they are on the wrong side of it, and need a deep run here to have a shot at the big dance.

NC State is the epitome of an NIT team, and if guard Grevis Vasquez can keep his emotions in check, Maryland will move on.

Winner: Maryland

No. 6 Boston College vs No. 11 Virginia

BC's style of play won't allow them to run away and hide from many teams they play, and if there is a chance at major upset in the first round this might be it.

UVA's Sylven Landesberg is one of the best freshman in the ACC, and he will put alot of pressure on Boston College's front court players, but I just don't have the guts to pick against Tyrese Rice and Boston College. It will be close though.

Winner: Boston College

Friday, March 13

No. 1 North Carolina vs No. 9 Miami

If Miami was playing anyone else, I could see Jack McClinton carrying Miami all the way to the finals of this tournament, but UNC just has too many weapons with Tyler Hansbrough, Wayne Ellington, Danny Green, and Ty Lawson. Oh, they also have Coach Roy Williams.

Winner: North Carolina

No. 4 Florida State vs No. 5 Clemson

This will be a great game. FSU guard Tony Douglas is capable of putting on a tournament performance not seen since the likes of Wake Forest's Randolph Childress's legendary 1996 ACC tournament, but Clemson is one well balanced squad.

The Tigers have Trevor Booker inside, and Terrence Oglesby and KC Rivers outside, but the Nole's athleticism has given the Tigers fits this year—FSU will defeat Clemson for the third straight time.

Winner: Florida State

No. 2 Wake Forest vs No. 7 Maryland

Jeff Teague cancels out Grevis Vasquez, and the Deacs are deeper, longer, and more athletic than the Terps. Wake Forest rolls.

Winner: Wake Forest

No. 3 Duke vs No. 6 Boston College

I love Duke's Gerald Henderson, and he will go off this game. Duke is playing much better than earlier in the season when BC beat Duke. Coach K has been here done that, and I expect Duke to move on.

Winner: Duke

Saturday, March 14

No. 1 North Carolina vs No. 4 Florida State

See UNC vs Miami preview, and replace Jack McClinton's name with Tony Douglas. FSU will be one of the NCAA's most dangerous 5-7 seeds, but UNC just has too much.

Winner: North Carolina

No. 2 Wake Forest vs No. 3 Duke

People have been saying all year how vulnerable Duke is, but all they are is 25-6 and winners of five games in a row before losing to UNC prior to the ACC tournament. Jon Scheyer has finally found his shot, and that will be one of the differences in this game.

Winner: Duke

#1 North Carolina vs #3 Duke

UNC's only weakness is sometimes they lack a little intensity on defense, but no one in college basketball is better in transition.

As has been the story of this tournament, the Heels just have too much talent. Does anyone really think Tyler Hansbrough will be denied?

Winner: North Carolina