Saturday Recap:

There were some great ACC games on Saturday. Let's start with the one that was the least competitive. Miami pretty much took care of Boston College at home, leading basically the whole game, and having at least a 7 or 8 point cushion the whole second half. This wasn't really all that surprising -- McClinton had another good game, outdueling Tyrese Rice. Also doesn't have much of an impact on the NCAA tournament hopes (Miami is still on the outside looking in, BC should be in with an easy schedule down the stretch).

Virginia stunk it up at the beginning of their game at NC State but still had a chance in the last minute. NC State continues to be plagued by turnovers -- starting point guard Javier Gonzalez had 7 turnovers and no assists. They let Virginia back in it at the end but used the fouling while up 3 method to successfully close it out.

Maryland won a terrific game against North Carolina, a big boost to their tournament hopes. Vasquez scored Maryland's first 16 points of the game, something I don't think I've ever seen before. He ended up with the first triple-double for a Terp in more than 20 years. I think some of the fault for the loss has to go to Carolina coach Roy Williams. I'm all for the up-tempo style but when you are up by 6 or 8 points with 2 minutes left you need to slow it down, use the shot clock and then get off a shot. They pressed too much, leading into charges and turnovers which allowed Maryland to get back in the game. Then the Terps were too much in overtime. And I've said this before, but Ty Lawson continues to impress me every game out. He is so improved this year it's ridiculous.

And the Hokies lost another heartbreaker, this one at home to Florida State. FSU played a great first half, and Tech played a great second half but it came down to Toney Douglas scoring with 6 seconds left and A.D. Vassallo not being able to answer at the buzzer. Florida State's Derwin Kitchen had a terrific game, including a ridiculous three from basically out of bounds to help their cause. Tech played much better than in the last two games but this still was a game they had to have if they want to make the tournament.

In other news of the day:
Washington State and UCLA were two teams that I loved to watch last year. And yesterday they played a great game at Pauley Pavilion with one of the craziest last few minutes of a game you will ever see. Taylor Rochestie was just incredible for Wazzou down the stretch, with a big 3 and a tip-in. The Cougars aren't gonna make the tournament but they had a hell of an effort against UCLA.
I think last night's loss to Texas proved the Sooners are for real. Blake Griffin played only 11 minutes for Oklahoma and they still were right in the game until the very end.