ACC Tournament: NC State and More Bubble Teams Who Need Convincing Performance

Conference tournament time is the last chance for bubble teams to make their case that they are deserving of an NCAA tournament bid. In the ACC, NC State is one team that must play well in their conference tournament to impress the selection committee.

For bubble teams looking to secure a spot in March Madness, winning the conference tournament guarantees you automatic qualification. However, a strong run to the semifinal or final of the tournament helps as well, especially if you beat some quality opponents along the way.

Let's look at three ACC teams who must play well in their conference tournament.

Miami (FL)

As it stands right now, Miami would probably get into the NCAA tournament, but if they were to win two games or more in the ACC tournament, then their resume would be strengthened tremendously.

The Hurricanes' most recent game was a crushing loss to NC State, who are another bubble team, but they should be able to beat Boston College in their final regular season matchup on Saturday.

Miami's most impressive wins include a victory over Florida State and a massive road triumph against Duke.

If Miami plays well in the ACC Tournament, they will certainly earn a bid from the selection committee.

Virginia

The Virginia Cavaliers are in fourth in the ACC standings, but two consecutive losses to ranked conference opponents North Carolina and Florida State have the team going in the wrong direction.

If the Cavaliers get knocked out of the ACC tournament in the first or second rounds, they could find themselves outside the field of 68 and playing in the NIT tournament instead of the big dance.

With no wins against UNC, Duke or Florida State, Virginia's in-conference resume is quite weak. The team's only quality win was an early-season victory against Michigan.

NC State

The Wolfpack need a strong ACC tournament performance because, right now, they are one of ESPN expert Joe Lunardi's first four out of the NCAA tournament.

NC State has lost four of its last five games and need to win at least two games in order to make a strong case for a March Madness bid.

They have no wins against conference rivals Duke, North Carolina or Florida State, and they have zero impressive out-of-conference victories.

The Wolfpack need an impressive conference tournament with some wins against other bubble teams to secure a place in the NCAA Tournament.

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