ACC Tournament: Quarterfinals Preview

It wasn't the most riveting day one at the ACC Tournament, with the last three games all being pretty much no contest. You saw several teams that just had no life, no fight in them. And that has to be frustrating for fans. NC State and Georgia Tech in particular just seemed to be playing out the string, waiting for their season to be over. We did have one amazing game that saw Virginia have one of the biggest late-game collapses I've ever seen. That has to be just a crushing way to end the season.

Thankfully, Friday should be much more entertaining. Here's a preview:

#1 UNC vs. #9 Miami (12:00 p.m.) - I've heard a lot of chatter about how Miami is a sleeper team and UNC should be on the lookout. I don't agree with this at all. Miami was frankly really lucky to beat UVA - they had scored only 10 points in the second half through the first 19 minutes. I think UNC will run all over the Canes.
Pick: UNC

#4 Clemson vs. #5 Boston College (2:30 p.m.) - It's hard to glean much from BC's win over Wake Forest. Both of these teams know that they have to win this game to put them in good position for the NCAA Tournament. Clemson beat BC in their first meeting in Littlejohn. Clemson's size will cause a problem for BC, but I think Reggie Jackson will carry the Eagles to a win.
Pick: BC

#1 Duke vs. #7 Maryland (7:00 p.m.) - Gary Williams and the Terps were able to pull things together to play a good game against NC State. They will face a much stiffer challenge tonight against a Duke team that has lost 2 of its last 3 games. I think Kyle Singler will step it up, and Duke's guards will make life tough for Pe'Shon Howard and Terrell Stoglin.
Pick: Duke

#3 Florida State vs. #6 Virginia Tech (9:30 p.m.) - The Hokies played inspired ball against Georgia Tech on Thursday, turning around their recent struggles. They know that they have to get work done this week to make the field. There are rumblings that Chris Singleton will be back for Florida State, but how productive he will be is a big question. I think the Hokies will carry the momentum from last night and knock off the Noles.
Pick: Virginia Tech