Weekend Preview:

We've hit the home stretch of the regular season, as this weekend represents the last chance for teams to make their case for the Big Dance before the conference tournaments. Here's a look at this weekend's ACC action:

N.C. State at Miami (Saturday, 12:00) - This one probably won't have a lot of interest after Miami lost to Georgia Tech. Miami has a very slim chance of making the field, and most likely would have to make the ACC finals to do so. N.C. State has had a good second half of the ACC season but I would expect Miami to hold serve at home here.

Georgia Tech at BC (Saturday, 12:00) - The only relevance this game could have is if Boston College somehow trips up and loses to the last place team. I think if BC wins this game, they are in the NCAA Tournament.

Maryland at Virginia (Saturday, 3:30) - Ok so this Saturday game slate is not all that interesting. Virginia could play spoiler here: if they can win their home finale against the Terps, Maryland is out of the tournament. Maryland still has a chance if they can pick up a road win.

Virginia Tech at Florida State (Sunday, 2:00) - Now we're getting interesting. Virginia Tech must win this game if it wants a chance at the tournament. Florida State is playing very well and could sew up a first round bye in the ACC Tournament if it wins at home. Both teams have plenty to play for in this one.

Duke at North Carolina (Sunday, 4:00) - Two teams with very different styles that just happen to hate each other in College Basketball's best rivalry. Duke and UNC are both coming in playing very good basketball. UNC has a definite talent edge but the Devils have played very well in Chapel Hill of late. I expect this one to be a little lower scoring than the game in Cameron. But it should be another classic.

Clemson at Wake Forest (Sunday, 6:00) - Not to be outdone, this one should be a dandy too. Clemson and Wake Forest are fighting for a first round bye in the ACC Tournament and possible NCAA seeding. Wake is coming off a great road win at Maryland while Clemson took care of business against Virginia. Both teams should play well in this one, and I expect a close battle.

There are scores of other huge games over the weekend, too many to mention. I'll highlight a few (all on Saturday):
UConn at Pitt - A rematch of one of the best games of the year. Don't be surprised if UConn returns the favor from their home loss.
Louisville at WVU - West Virginia could solidify their case for a bid with a home win over the #6 ranked Cards.
Texas at Kansas - The Jayhawks could surprisingly win the Big 12 again.
Washington St. at Washington - The hot Cougars could spoil the Huskies' bid for a Pac-10 outright crown.
Michigan at Minnesota - Win and you're in the tournament. Lose (Michigan) and you're not.
Kentucky at Florida - Another win and you're in, lose and you're not.

Let the games begin!