Weekend Preview

Saturday:

Wake Forest at Miami (1:00 p.m., FSN)
Miami has had a couple of tough losses in the past week, and need to take care of business in this game.  I wouldn't think they would have too much trouble.  Wake won their most recent game against Georgia Tech, but haven't shown the ability to play well on the road at all.

Florida State at N.C. State (1:00 p.m., ACC Network)
Florida State dodged a major bullet at home against Virginia Tech, and is looking to build on their resume with a road win.  N.C. State really needs this win, though, after blowing a big second half lead at Cameron.  They would have been on the right side of the bubble if they would have been able to close against Duke.

Maryland at Virginia (1:00 p.m., ACC Network)
Virginia suffered a pretty bad loss on the road at Clemson, and needs to win this one.  Maryland got a fairly easy win against Boston College, but at this point is just playing for a potential NIT appearance.

Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech (3:00 p.m., FSN)
Georgia Tech right now is the worst team in the ACC.  They have a chance to catch Virginia Tech at the right time, though, coming off a tough emotional loss to Florida State.  The Hokies might also be short-handed in this game, giving the Yellow Jackets a better chance.

Clemson at North Carolina (4:00 p.m., ESPN)
One of the most interesting streaks in college basketball.  Clemson has never won in Chapel Hill.  Ever.  And I don't think that's going to change this year.  The Tigers got a nice win over Virginia but have not played well at all on the road.

Sunday:

Duke at Boston College (6:00 p.m., ESPNU)
Boston College has definitely improved as the season has gone on.  They will be hard pressed to stay with Duke, though.  The Blue Devils can't be very happy about how they played for most of their game with N.C. State.  And they will be looking to shut the door early against BC.

Final Thoughts:

The NCAA Tournament picture continues to shift.  At this point, UNC and Duke are definitely in.  Florida State has one foot in the door, but has a very tough schedule down the line.  If they somehow slip to 9-7 in the league they would probably be out.  Virginia is looking shakier as well.  They don't really have good non-conference wins.  Right now they are 6-5 in conference.  They will probably need to beat at least UNC or Florida State at home to feel good.

Miami and NC State are right now squarely on the bubble.  NC State is 7-4 against a fairly soft schedule.  Their remaining schedule: FSU, UNC, @Clemson, Miami, @VT.  I think they need to win three of those five.  Miami is 6-5 with a good road win at Duke.  Their remaining schedule: Wake, @Maryland, FSU, @NC State, BC.  If they can go 4-1 they should be in.