It was a good week for the top teams in the ACC. Miami, Duke, N.C. State and UNC all won. Miami was the only team that did not win convincingly, but they had the toughest test, at home against Virginia. The Cavaliers were able to get the tempo back to what they wanted, but couldn't make the plays down the stretch. N.C. State is firmly in the tournament right now, as they have righted the ship a bit, and are now playing for seeding. Maryland was the big disappointment this week, losing by double digits at Boston College and losing all the momentum they got from the Duke win.
Here is the schedule for this weekend:
Saturday:
Clemson at Maryland (12:00 p.m., ESPN2)
Not a lot of interest in this game, other than the fact that Maryland has to win. The Terps can't afford any more bad losses if they want to push to make the NCAA Tournament. Clemson hasn't shown that it can play well on the road, although they have had a week off to rest so they might come out with better energy at the start.
Miami at Wake Forest (1:00 p.m., FSN)
Wake did have one big home win earlier this year, against N.C. State. And they will be pumped to try to give Miami its first conference loss. Wake has also had extra rest for this game. But even though the Deacs play well at home, it's hard to see Miami losing this one. They are focused and I think really want to go through the conference season unblemished.
N.C. State at North Carolina (4:00 p.m., ESPN)
This should be a great game. The Tar Heels will have payback on their minds after the embarrassing first half in Raleigh earlier this year. And they are playing better than they were in that first meeting. N.C. State is starting to round back into form, though, and has more talent than Carolina. If the Tar Heels can knock down some threes like they did against UVA, they will be difficult to beat at home.
Sunday:
Boston College at Duke (2:00 p.m., ACC Network)
BC picked up probably their best win of the year against Maryland, but following that up with a win in Cameron is unlikely. Duke is trying to nail down the #2 seed for the conference tournament and a possible #1 seed in the NCAAs. They should roll.
Georgia Tech at Virginia (2:00 p.m., ACC Network)
Virginia lost an opportunity at a big win in Miami this week, but they can get back in the win column this weekend at home. Georgia Tech is offensively challenged, so the first to 50 might win this one. Virginia is probably as squarely on the bubble as any ACC team and they can't afford to lose this one.
Florida State at Virginia Tech (6:00 p.m., ESPNU)
Barring a big run, I think Florida State is not going to make the NCAA Tournament. But if they want any chance, they can't lose to the last place team. The Seminoles have been so inconsistent, so Virginia Tech could sneak through a win. But traditionally Florida State has been a tough matchup for the Hokies.
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