ACC Tournament Preview: First Round

The regular season is over and it's time for teams to make a last minute push in this week's ACC Tournament.  There are some intriguing games in round one.  So let's get right to it.

#8 Maryland vs. #9 Wake Forest (12:00 p.m.)
North Carolina got a heck of a draw here.  They have a virtual bye into the semifinals.  Maryland has been on a downward trend since losing Pe'Shon Howard for the year, losing four of their last five games.  Wake Forest is the weakest #9 seed you will ever see.  They won four conference games, all against teams below them in the standings.  The main difference between these two teams is Terrell Stoglin, a much better player than anyone Wake has.
Pick: Maryland

#5 N.C. State vs. #12 Boston College (2:30 p.m.)
A must win for N.C. State.  They are trying to make their way into the NCAA Tournament, and might have to win two games to do it.  The first one should be pretty easy.  Although Boston College has probably overachieved, they still only went 4-12 in conference and lost 11 of their last 13.  N.C. State beat Boston College both times they played each other this year.
Pick: N.C. State

#7 Clemson vs. #10 Virginia Tech (7:00 p.m.)
These two teams have played two very competitive games, with each team winning once by two points.  Clemson is on an upward trend, finishing with wins in four of their last six.  Virginia Tech has lost five of their last six, and looked lethargic in their last game against N.C. State.  If they come ready to play, the Hokies match up well with Clemson and can definitely win.  But Clemson could also win by 20.
Pick: Clemson

#6 Miami vs. #11 Georgia Tech (9:30 p.m.)I'd love to pick an upset in the first round, because there always are, but on paper it's hard to find one.  Miami is a much better team than Georgia Tech, and is motivated by the NCAA Tournament bid that is in their sights.  Like N.C. State, Miami probably needs to win two games to feel good about their NCAA Tournament chances.  I can't see anyone stopping Reggie Johnson in this game.  Miami won the only meeting between these two in Atlanta by 15.
Pick: Miami