ACC action: closing in on tournament time

Tonight the fiery action rekindles in the ACC with two good games on TV. Virginia Tech takes on UVA at John Paul Jones Arena. Both teams are pursuing a season finish with the top record in the league. More importantly, the ACC tournament seeds are at stake. With a big win at home the Cavaliers, having the upper advantage could gain momentum heading into the tournament. They are a couple sensational guards in the match-up tonight. UVA's Sean Singletary and J.R. Reynolds are streaky shooters, who've been hot as of late. The tandem average 36 ppg together.

The Hokies have an energetic group lead by seniors, Zabian Dowdell and Jamon Gordon. They may not be great passers, but that aspect of their game is overshadowed by clutch shooting late in games. Gordon shoots 45% from the field whereas Dowdell hits around 48% on the season, plus is good behind the arch (41%). Also, UVA can't forget about lanky forward, Deron Washington who can do almost anything except hit long jumpers. The ACC rivals will be in for a scrappy, all-out-gut-buster when they square at 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Followed afterwards will be Georgia Tech vs. UNC. I have no idea what kind of game this will be because the Tarheels' scoring has dropped lately due to high pressure on their inside players. Hansbrough will need to make an early statement by getting position in the low post and scoring quick. Everyone knows the standout sophomore has took a "mugging" in previous weeks. He's hounded and double-teamed in the paint all the time. Any big scoring threat should be to counter balance an offensive transition.

Judging from Saturday's game against Maryland, Brandan Wright must be more consistent at the line and Carolina can ill-afford to allow big leads to slip away. Georgia Tech has a talented crop of good outside shooters that will make them pay. Half-court traps and presses on the backcourt may be the solution for UNC. It's worked for them on many occassions. The action is sure to be intense and enthralling in the ACC tonight.