March 11, 2005

Today is the quarterfinal round of the ACC tournament. So I present to you my picks since I have nothing else to post.

(9) Clemson Vs. (1) North Carolina (12:00pm EST)
While UNC clearly has a talent advantage, the tigers should not be overlooked. Clemson has been heating up lately, Winning 4 of their last 5. Unfortunately for Clemson, the Tarheels have won 7 oin a row including a 88 -56 romp over less than a month ago. I'm pretty sure Carolina's probable return of Mccants hasn't affected them enough to lose this game. I am also sure the Tigers haven't found enough hidden talent to make it close. I would watch for a decent first half effort, but look for an 88-60 beating to send Clemson back to South Carolina.

(5) Georgia Tech Vs. (4) Virginia Tech (2:30pm EST)
Since their last meeting, a 70 - 69 win for Va Tech, the Hokies have rattled off a miserable 5-6 record. Not to be outdone, the Yellow jackets have only managed a 6-5 record, alternating win-loss all the way through. I can't see this game going the way of a blowout, unless one of the teams gets hot. More than likely that would be Georgia Tech, but as we have seen this season, that hasn't happened since January 8th. This game depends on whose determination is greater, Will the Hokies be uplifted in their first ACC Tournament, or will the pieces come together and the Yellow Jackets of 2004 reemerge as a powerhouse? One thing is for certain, both of these teams are going to the postseason, where is the question. I'll take the "Jack"ets 75-70, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was the other way around.

(7) N.C. State Vs. (2) Wake Forest (7:00pm EST)
There is no greater anticipation for a game then when these two teams meet for the second time in 5 days. Streaks and players mean nothing in this intense rivalry. Not on par with the other Tobacco Road rivalry, this single game may have more interest generated in it than any other. With Chris Paul suspended for the low blow on Julious Hodge, watch for Justin Gray and Eric Williams to contain State's 3 pronged attack of Hodge, Evtimov, and Bethel. This game will be just as close as the previous 2 meetings (86-75, 55-53) with the team setting the pace winning the game. If State can keep it slow and low scoring, watch for them to win, but bizarro world not withstanding, Wake is gonna run up and down the court knowing State played yesterday. Wake wins this one without Paul, 82-78.

(11) Virginia Vs. (3) Duke(9:30pm EST)
Not really sure what to think of this game, Virginia is clearly overachieving at this point in the season, although beating Miami by one point isn't much to write home about. in the teams single meeting this season Duke's JJ Redick made more 3s than Virginia's players combined (6-2). If Virginia wants to hang close in this one, not only will it have slow Williams down, It is going to have to match 3s with Duke. Duke is really the master of their own destiny in this one, without clear playmakers, Virginia can only hope for a mental breakdown by the Devils. Duke practices and wins, 87-65.

- Posted by Rick at March 11, 2005 09:49 AM | TrackBack

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