This is the time of year when two major events occur. The first involves a ridiculous number of college basketball games that result in a large contingent of the population coming down with a severe case of March Madness. The second is yours truly attempting to predict the outcomes of each of these basketball games. This results in a lot of people making fun of my apparent lack of prognosticating skills. Whatever. I’m going to try again this year. So without further ado, here’s what will go down at the ACC Tournament in the Queen City of Charlotte this weekend.
FIRST ROUND
#8 Wake Forest vs. #9 FSU
Wake swept FSU in the regular season. FSU has played better recently though. The Deacs hit their high mark when they beat Duke. Since then, they’re 1-4. Seminoles in a nail-biter.
#5 Miami vs. #12 NC State
The Wolfpack beat the “U” earlier this year in a wild ending capped by Gavin Grant’s steal and layup. At the time it looked like it would save State’s season. That was before State tanked and lost their last 8, 6 by double digits. Miami is probably already in the field of 64, but one more win wouldn’t hurt. They’ll get it against State.
#7 GA Tech vs. #10 UVA
Hard to believe Tech got a 7 seed with an overall record of 14-16, but that’s what happened. UVA stunk it up for most of the year, but did win 4 of their last 6. I’m expecting a big night from Sean Singletary, which should be just enough to lift the Wahoos past the Ramblin Wreck.
#6 Maryland vs. #11 BC
The Terps were pathetic over the last 3 weeks and probably burst their NCAA bubble. They also seem ripe for an upset here. Except that BC has lost 12 of 13. The one win in that stretch? Against NC State, of course. Big deal. Maryland advances here.
QUARTERFINALS
#1 UNC vs. #9 FSU
FSU played the Tarheels pretty well this year, and I would expect them to contend for one half. In the end, UNC has too much depth, too many weapons, and that Hansbrough fellow, who’s pretty good if you haven’t noticed. UNC takes this one by 15 or so.
#4 VA Tech vs. #5 Miami
Really tough call here. Tech is another of those bubble teams and needs a win here. But I don’t know that the Hokies have enough size inside or the ability to slow down Jack McClinton from the outside. Should be a good one but I’m going with Miami.
#2 Duke vs. #10 UVA
Duke had an easy time with the Cavs this year, winning by 16 and 22 points. Singletary needs about 40 in this one for UVA to have a shot. He’ll do his best, but Duke should win without much trouble.
#3 Clemson vs. #6 Maryland
The Terps get another shot at the Tigers, 12 days after the mammoth 2nd half collapse in College Park. It’s a must win for Maryland, but I really like this Clemson team. Free throw shooting could be a problem but I’m going with the Tigers.
SEMIFINALS
#1 UNC vs. #5 Miami
This could potentially be one of the most entertaining games if Miami has any legs left. UNC got 27 pts from Tyler Hansbrough in the 2nd half of the teams lone meeting this year. While that probably won’t happen this time, he’ll still get his points, along with Ellington, Lawson and company. UNC advances to the title game.
#2 Duke vs. #3 Clemson
It’s likely that Duke will get killed on the boards in this game, so everything depends on how well the Blue Devils shoot from the floor. They shot 53% against Clemson earlier this year. Anything near that, and the Blue Devils survive. I say Duke makes just enough free throws down the stretch to eliminate the Tigers.
ACC CHAMPIONSHIP
#1 UNC vs. #2 Duke
Does anyone see a different matchup for the final? Anyone? I’ve tried, but these two were clearly the class of the ACC. And in all honesty, I think the ACC final will go much the same as the game in Cameron last week. A late run should be enough to lift the Heels to the ACC title and a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
ACC Tournament Week. Doesn’t get much better than this. Enjoy it.
