ACC Basketball Imitates ACC Football

It was a rough second week of basketball for the ACC. Sure teams like Duke, Clemson and Florida State won, but four loses over the past two days could be a hint at what to expect from this conference in 2010-2011. Let’s take a peak.

(No. 3) KANSAS STATE OVER VIRGINIA TECH, 73-57

After being ripped for a cupcake schedule last season, Virginia Tech went out of their way to put some meat on their schedule this season. Against Kansas State, the Hokies had a chance to prove something. Saying they came up short might be an understatement.

The Kansas State Wildcats were without power forward Curtis Kelly and preseason All-American Jacob Pullen missed most of the first half in foul trouble. Everything was coming up Hokie. Yet with a two-point lead with 14 to play, Virginia Tech collapsed. Kansas State went on a 28-9 run and the game was over.

So what went wrong?

The Hokies struggled with K-State’s pressure defense and their length. Malcolm Delaney actually had a double-double, but not the kind you like. He scored 22 (leading all scorers), but he turned it over 10 times. The reality is, if Delaney wants to play at the next level, the 6’3" guard will have to play the point, but in college, he’s most dangerous as the two guard.

In the end, Virginia Tech fans had to be disappointed in the scoring total (57) and the margin of defeat (16), but there is no real shame in losing on the road to the No. 3 team in the land. Their next true test will come in two weeks when Purdue comes to town. If they lose that one, then we have some issues in need of discussion.

(No. 19) MEMPHIS OVER MIAMI, 72-68

Like Virginia Tech, the Miami Hurricanes have put together a more challenging schedule for themselves. While Memphis is no Kansas State, they are ranked (No. 19) and the game was at midnight. While Miami failed to walk away with a win, there were plenty of positives for this young Canes team.

They played great defense, holding Memphis to only 19 made baskets (including 4-22 from three). Miami also owned the boards, out-rebounding the Tigers 51-31. Miami’s two guards and stars, Durand Scott and Malcolm Scott, did score 38 points, although they needed 27 shots to get it. Too many.

In the end, the game was a tough, physical game. The two teams combined to take an incredible 75 free throw attempts. The Hurricanes actually led by four with just under four to play, but when Memphis took the lead back, they held it for good by hitting six of their last eight free throws.

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