ACC Tournament 2013: Predictions for Each Game on Way to Championship

No matter what happens during the regular season, the ACC tournament is still one of the top events in the country every year.

In the last 16 years, Duke or North Carolina has won all but two conference tournament titles. However, this season could be different with Miami winning its first ever ACC regular-season crown.

Additionally, a wild season has shown that no top team is safe, regardless of the opponent. This is certain to make for an exciting tournament from beginning to end. 

Of course, anything can happen, but here are predictions for every game in the upcoming championship. 

First Round, March 14

No. 8 Boston College vs. No. 9 Georgia Tech 

Boston College put together some good performances this year, but all at home. Wins over Maryland and Virginia at home turned into bad losses on the road. The same goes for one-point defeats to Duke and Miami.

Georgia Tech has shown more consistency and should use that on the neutral court. 

Prediction: Georgia Tech 64, Boston College 58

No. 5 North Carolina State vs. No. 12 Virginia Tech

Erick Green might be the nation's leading scorer, but that is only because no one else on Virginia Tech can help him out.

North Carolina State can simply use its size inside to dominate the boards and get easy buckets.

Prediction: North Carolina State 75, Virginia Tech 60

No. 7 Maryland vs. No. 10 Wake Forest 

Maryland might be struggling mightily at this point, but the Terrapins easily handled Wake Forest in both meetings this season. 

However, they look deflated toward the end of the Virginia loss and could pack it in with the NCAA tournament virtually out of reach. 

C.J. Harris and Travis McKie will both have big shooting days, and the Demon Deacons will have one more victory before the season ends.

Prediction: Wake Forest 68, Maryland 62

No. 6 Florida State vs. No. 11 Clemson 

Florida State might be the most inconsistent team in the entire conference. The talented roster put together some good performances, but it disappointed overall this year.

Clemson has at least kept games close, and it could lead to Florida State needing Michael Snaer come through in the clutch one more time before his career ends.

Prediction: Florida State 71, Clemson 70

Quarterfinals, March 15

No. 1 Miami vs. No. 9 Georgia Tech 

Georgia Tech was able to beat Miami in Coral Gables only a week ago, but this should have been a wake-up call for the Hurricanes.

The defense looked better against Clemson and the team wants to build off the great regular season with a deep run in March. That starts by being focused for this early matchup.

Prediction: Miami 78, Georgia Tech 67

No. 4 Virginia vs. No. 5 North Carolina State 

Virginia needs to win this game in order to feel comfortable heading into Selection Sunday. Unfortunately, that might be too tough to accomplish.

Although North Carolina State is prone to mental lapses, this is still an extremely talented team. When the Wolfpack play well, there are few better teams. 

The overall athleticism will help them get past the Cavaliers.

Prediction: North Carolina State 72, Virginia 70

No. 2 Duke vs. No. 10 Wake Forest 

Duke is not a perfect team, but Wake Forest does not have an ability to expose the Blue Devils' faults in this quarterfinal game.

Even if Maryland advances, the atmosphere in Greensboro will be nothing like College Park and it should make this one a blowout. 

Prediction: Duke 81, Wake Forest 69

No. 3 North Carolina vs. No. 6 Florida State

Despite the loss to Duke, North Carolina is still one of the hottest teams in the country after winning six of the last seven games.

Florida State simply cannot defend the interior, and the Tar Heels will rack up points in the paint despite having a lack of size. James Michael McAdoo will have a field day. 

Prediction: North Carolina 87, Florida State 71

Semifinals, March 16

No. 1 Miami vs. No. 5 North Carolina State

North Carolina State is one of the most complete rosters in the country, and it will be very tough for Miami to defend everyone. 

Lorenzo Brown is one of the best point guards around when he keeps his turnovers down. He can find Scott Wood on the outside or any number of players that can finish at the rim down low. 

Miami is still an elite team, but the squad has been inconsistent all year long. This is bound to catch up with the Hurricanes in the ACC tournament and the NCAA tournament. 

Prediction: North Carolina State 75, Miami 72

No. 2 Duke vs. No. 3 North Carolina

The last time these teams played was no fluke. While North Carolina expects better shooting out of Reggie Bullock and P.J. Hairston, the team has no answer for Mason Plumlee inside.

In addition, there are simply too many shooters on Duke to defend all at once, and someone is going to make an open shot.

Although the game will be closer than the 69-53 battle from last week, the result should be the same.

Prediction: Duke 81, North Carolina 74

Championship, March 17 

No. 2 Duke vs. No. 5 North Carolina State

North Carolina State was able to beat Duke earlier in the year thanks to 18 rebounds by Richard Howell. This time around, the Wolfpack might still have the rebounding advantage, but that will not be enough.

The addition of Ryan Kelly has not only given the Blue Devils an extra weapon, but they have much more confidence going into every game.

Unless Duke gets ice-cold from behind the arc, the squad is prepared to win yet another ACC tournament and go into March Madness as a No. 1 seed.

Prediction: Duke 85, North Carolina State 79

Follow @TheRobGoldberg