ACC Tournament Preview: Quarterfinals


#1 UNC vs. #8 Maryland (12:00 p.m.)


Maryland let Wake hang around for about a half before blowing them out in the second half.  They played with confidence, and have some good talent for the future.  But playing UNC is a completely different animal.  The size of the Heels towers over Maryland.  I see Tyler Zeller and John Henson having big games, and UNC should win by 20 points.  The only chance that Maryland has is if UNC comes out as uninspired as they did in last year's ACC Tournament.
Pick: UNC




#4 UVA vs. #5 N.C. State (2:30 p.m.)


This is a very intriguing game and a tough one to predict.  N.C. State did what they needed to do on Thursday, putting away Boston College.  But truthfully neither one of these teams has been in great form recently.  UVA collapsed late against Florida State and almost collapsed against Maryland.  They will be without Assane Sene because of disciplinary reasons, and Malcolm Brogdon because of injury.  N.C. State has the talent but has not played well against the top teams in the league.  I'm leaning ever slightly toward the team that is desperate to win.
Pick: N.C. State


#2 Duke vs. #10 Virginia Tech (7:00 p.m.)


Virginia Tech got a nice win on Thursday, upsetting Clemson.  They are likely not going to play beyond this week, so this is their last hurrah.  They have a chance to pull a shocker against Duke.  These two teams just played a couple weeks ago in Cameron, and Virginia Tech had a chance to win in regulation.  Duke will also be without Ryan Kelly for the ACC Tournament, after he was injured in practice.  Historically, though, Duke has been very tough to beat in the ACC Tournament.  If Austin Rivers plays like he's capable of, he's going to be very difficult to stop.  And fatigue might come into play in the second half for Virginia Tech.
Pick: Duke


#3 Florida State vs. #6 Miami (9:30 p.m.)

Miami had a pretty uninspired performance for most of their game against Georgia Tech, using one run to pull away.  They had a pretty convincing win against Florida State just a couple weeks ago, and certainly can give the Seminoles trouble.  Florida State has some motivation - they have to believe that they can win this tournament, considering they've beaten North Carolina and Duke this year.  Coming into Thursday, I thought Miami had a good shot at winning this.  But their performance in the first round scares me.  I think the Seminoles win.
Pick: Florida State