A lot of games came down to the wire this week, with four of the six ACC games decided by five or fewer points. Big winners included UVA, which knocked off N.C. State. The last couple minutes were unusual in that neither team was able to score, and N.C. State was certainly hampered by Lorenzo Brown being out. But this was an upset.
Michael Snaer came through again for the Seminoles, knocking down a three to beat Maryland. This has to be a really deflating loss for the Terps, who continue to struggle to beat good teams. Miami impressed again, not playing their best game but holding off a strong performance by Virginia Tech with a strong showing by Shane Larkin.
Not a lot of compelling games this weekend, but there is one big highlight with Miami traveling to N.C. State.
Saturday:
Clemson at Boston College (12:00 p.m., ACC Network)
Clemson was able to hold off Georgia Tech despite some shaky late game play, and should be in for a close ballgame against BC. The Eagles have come close to pulling off some more wins, but haven't been able to close the deal. Last year BC was able to knock off Clemson at home, and they have a decent chance to do it again.
Virginia Tech at North Carolina (12:00 p.m., ACC Network)
The Tar Heels suffered a big blow when P.J. Hairston went down in the Boston College game, and we'll see how they play without him. Virginia Tech played their best game in a while against Miami but weren't able to sustain their level of play down the stretch. The Tar Heels should be able to win at home.
Duke at Florida State (2:00 p.m., ESPN)
It feels like Florida State is hanging on by a thread right now. They could have easily lost their last two home games, against Clemson and Maryland. Duke didn't look like world beaters in their game against Wake, but they have played well in Tallahassee in recent years. I think Duke takes this one.
Wake Forest at Maryland (2:00 p.m., FSN)
Wake had a good showing at home against Duke. This will be a good test to see if they can avoid an emotional letdown. The last road test they failed miserably against Georgia Tech. Maryland has to be emotionally drained after their last second loss to Florida State. But I can't see anyone from Wake slowing Alex Len down.
Miami at N.C. State (4:00 p.m., CBS)
Definitely the game of the weekend in the ACC, and CBS was smart to put this one on their schedule for the year. The health of Lorenzo Brown will go a long way in determining the outcome of this one. It's not just his offensive skills, but his ability to stop Shane Larkin. N.C. State has been really hard to beat at home, but you better believe Miami will be ready to play. I don't see a blowout like what the Wolfpack did to North Carolina last week.
Sunday:
Virginia at Georgia Tech (3:00 p.m., ESPNU)
Interesting test for Virginia. They have played really well in the last couple weeks, especially at home. Georgia Tech is coming off a great game against Wake and a pretty solid performance in a loss at Clemson. If Georgia Tech starts to get frustrated by Virginia's defense they could be in for a long day offensively.
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