ACC tourney predictions

With the ACC tournament underway today I have a few predictions which are tough to call since the championship is any team for the taking. With the ugly incident in this past weekend's game against UNC and Duke the tension is sure to be high. This will only heat up the competition. Already Clemson was nipped in their opening game against Florida State, 67-66. It was senior, Al Thorton's free throws that sealed the win with a couple seconds left. I picked FSU, but didn't expect the game to be so close drawing near the final seconds. It came down to a more experienced lineup.

Since Maryland has 3 three seniors and are hot, winners of eight consecutive games, I think they'll knock off Miami today. Gary Williams in up for coach of the year honors and has got his team playing inspired basketball. They've made a nice turnaround since the beginning of the season. D J Strawberry, Mike Jones, and Bambale Osby will be pivotal to Maryland's offensive strategy. They're all in double figures for scoring average. After pulling off victories against Duke and UNC I feel the high energy they play with with propel them in the tournament. The Terrapins could very well advance to the championship.

Duke will most likely prevail against N.C. State because they usually play better late in games. Unless Scheyer has a horrible game, unable to get open shots and Greg Paulus makes a bunch of turnovers then I don't see otherwise. Plus Josh McRoberts ought to be a big factor in the final outcome as well. Freshman Brandon Costner has big the only real bright spot as of late for the Wolfpack, averaging 16 ppg and 8 rpg. Duke can handle big man, McCauley if they put enough pressure on him. I'll take Wake Forest over Georgia Tech. This game will be determined by which team plays the best defense, keeping the score down. GT is the stronger shooting team. Either team though come make a run late and make a comeback, who knows what will happen?

The tourney will resume tommorrow as UVA, VT, UNC, and BC will take the court. There is only one match-up I'll make a prediction for Friday. The Tarheels are my favorite to beat FSU. It doesn't matter that they're the top seed. Their depth and talent overpowers the Seminoles. Tyler Hansbrough will be playing with a mask after fracturing his nose against Duke, which may effect his vision and shooting. The freshmen should pick the slack on scoring. The winner for the tournament. however, still in up in the air.