ACC Tournament First Round Preview:

This is my favorite time of year. The next three weeks I go into hibernation mode as we get the conference tournaments and the Big Dance. Let's start off the fun with an in-depth look at the first round ACC Tournament matchups:


#9 Miami vs. #8 Virginia Tech (12:00)
These two teams are fighting for their NCAA Tournament lives. Miami and Virginia Tech both need wins in this game and probably a win over UNC to get into the Big Dance, and that won't be an easy task. They matched up earlier in the year, with Virginia Tech winning down in Miami in overtime. You could probably classify both teams as disappointments this year. And both have faded down the stretch. But who will show up to win this first round matchup?

For Virginia Tech, the answer is simple -- get the ball in the basket. The Hokies' shooters need to have good games for them to have a chance at winning. Shooting 30% like at FSU will not cut it. Malcolm Delaney has been in a bit of a slump lately, the wrong time of year for that to happen. Virginia Tech also needs role players to step up and provide that spark off the bench. 10 points from someone like JT Thompson can go a long way.

For Miami, it's all about Jack McClinton. The best pure shooter in the conference needs to get the ball...a lot. Other players have shown flashes (Dwayne Collins played great against the Hokies in the first matchup) but McClinton's the guy who has to have the ball.

#12 Georgia Tech vs. #5 Clemson (2:30)
Clemson has faded a bit down the stretch, but still has a very potent lineup and a press that causes fits. They swept the season series from Georgia Tech, who had a very disappointing last place finish with only 2 conference wins.

When you're playing Clemson you have several weapons to deal with. Trevor Booker is a monster inside, but Georgia Tech has great length. So the key for this game will be the shooting of KC Rivers and Terence Oglesby. If those two have a good shooting game, forget about it.

Georgia Tech's only chance in this game is if they can limit turnovers. This team has been horrible holding onto the ball and Clemson's press can eat you alive if you are not prepared. Lewis Clinch has gone on a tear of late but guys like Gani Lawal and Alade Aminu have to step up and pour in double digit efforts to pull off the upset.

#10 N.C. State vs. #7 Maryland (7:00)
The Terps have an outside shot at the tournament, but it's not looking likely unless they make the finals. They won a key road game at N.C. State a couple weeks ago but followed that up with losses against Wake Forest and UVA.

Maryland has to have help from Greivis Vasquez to win. Vasquez is a dynamic player but he can't do it all himself, especially on a stage like this. Dave Neal has to continue his hot shooting and Eric Hayes or Landon Milbourne need to step up to help the Terps to victory. Maryland is in a similar situation to Clemson in that they are playing a turnover-prone team. If they can force the Wolfpack to turn it over frequently they should win.

So for N.C. State it starts with not turning the ball over. Javier Gonzalez has been a hot shooter as of late but he is not a good point guard in that he gets few assists and is a turnover machine. State has had some good ACC Tournament runs lately and doesn't shy away from the competition. But they have to get multiple guys involved to win. Brandon Costner must come ready to play.

#11 Virginia vs. #6 Boston College (9:30)
Virginia was embarrassed at home earlier this year by the upstart Eagles, falling into a deep 1st half hole they couldn't recover from. The Cavaliers are playing better basketball, but can they derail BC's tournament hopes?

Much like Maryland, Boston College relies heavily on one guy (Tyrese Rice) and needs support from other guys to win. Unlike Maryland, their supporting cast has more talent. Guys like Rakim Sanders and Joe Trapani have played very well for them this year. I think the key for BC in this game is landing that early knockout punch. Don't let Virginia hang around and let guys like Mamadi Diane get confidence.

I never know what I'm going to get from Virginia. Some games they come out and compete and lay it on the line and other times they look absolutely awful. One thing is for sure: Sylven Landesburg must have a good game. He is the best player on their team and can't have an 0-8 night. If Virginia can rebound the ball well and play good defense on Rice they have a chance.

It should be an interesting day of games...but really just an appetizer to Friday's action!