ACC Tourney - Day 1

Well the teams in the ACC were certainly hyped up about being "equal" and having depth from the top of the league to the bottom. Was it deserved? Yes.


Game 1: Clemson (8) vs. Florida State (9)

A final second free throw seals the win for FSU 67-66.

One can argue that Clemson hasn't won more than 4 games since starting the season 17-0, and that's fair. It's also fair to say that Clemson won't be dancing.

Florida State on the other hand, has had a great season (only dropping a 5 game stretch without guard Toney Douglas) and with Douglas back, their NCAA hopes seem well-founded.


Game 2: Maryland (5) vs. Miami (12)

After Maryland was up by 5 early, Miami decided to take control building up a lead of as high as 14 points by the half. With about 12:30 left in the game, Maryland decided to start scoring and by 3:46 left in the game, Maryland was within 3. With 23 seconds remaining Ma. closes the gap to 1 point, but Miami is able to hit their free throws and clinch the win 65-62.

Maryland has been in the NCAA for a few games, so this will only hurt their seeding.

Miami would need to win the tourney in order to qualify for any post-season play.


Game 3: Duke (7) vs. N.C. State (10)

Apparently each previous game being within 1 point in the final minute wasn't close enough. The Blue Devils and the Wolfpack decided to tie to end regulation. Duke probably could have pulled it out if it wasn't for the two words they'll remember for next year, Brandon Costner. Compiling 30 points (10-11 FTs) and 7 rebounds in 43 minutes (the most of any player), Costner was the difference in a tightly contested match.





Like Maryland, this will only hurt Duke's seeding and likely this only affects State's seeding in the NIT.



Game 4: Georgia Tech (6) vs. Wake Forest (11)

Not to be outdone, the Yellow Jackets and the Demon Deacons thought a single OT would be anti-climatic. Overcoming a 1st half deficit the Demon Deacons used a heavy rotation, having 7 players with 10 points or more. The GT bench was not able to match this and fell in 2OT, 114-112.

GT did not help their seed with this loss, but a 20 win season in the ACC is still a solid performance.

WF has won 4 of it's last 6, including a win against Virginia, but it's too little too late.




This means that every lower seed won their game. I don't think this will hold true for Friday, but it shows the ACC strength all the same.



Games slated for day 2:

Since every lower seed won the first game, I think it's fair to say that every higher seed will win on Friday.

Game 1: North Carolina (1) vs. Florida State (9)

Don't expect Douglas' return to make that much of a difference...

Game 2: Boston College (4) vs. Miami (12)

B.C. is fresh, Miami is not.

Game 3: Virginia (2) vs. N.C. State (10)

I want to say the Pack will win, but the Cavs have other plans.

Game 4: Viriginia Tech (3) vs. Wake Forest (11)

After 3 of the WFU starters played over 40 minutes and the other 2 having 30+, don't expect another W unless VT decides not to run.