ACC Tournament 2012 Schedule and Bracket: Matchups with Big Dance Implications

Conferences tournaments serve just two purposes.

One, they make money. And two, they give teams that failed to prove themselves in the regular season, and will never win the Big Dance, an opportunity to get into the Big Dance. Here is a trio of games yet to be played in the ACC tournament that will help paint the picture that is March Madness:

3. Virginia vs. NC State—Friday, March 9 at 2:00 p.m. EST

When the Cavaliers and Wolfpack faced off in their only regular season meeting, Virginia walked away victorious by the score of 61-60.  NC State is riding a three-game winning streak into Round 2, and they need one more triumph to solidify their case for the NCAA tournament. Being that they’re 0-8 against top-50 RPI squads, a loss would be crippling.

2. Miami vs. Florida State—Friday, March 9 at 9:00 p.m. EST

Naturally, the biggest game of the Hurricanes’ year, the one that decides whether or not they receive a bid to the Big Dance, is against their most hated rival. The Florida State Seminoles have their eyes on the ACC tournament title, but they'd love nothing more than to end the Cane's season. With only a 3-10 record against top-100 RPI teams, Miami needs this win more than FSU does, though.

1. North Carolina vs. Duke—Sunday, March 11 at 1:00 p.m. EST

Duke and UNC are NCAA tournament locks. The pair of powerhouse teams makes this list, though, because if they match up in the ACC title game, a No. 1 seed in the Big Dance will be on the line. With the Tar Heels ranked No. 4 and the Blue Devils No. 6, whoever takes the season series will be rewarded for it by the committee.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels