Just how good is the ACC this season? \u00a0That is the question you have to ask yourself in evaluating whether NC State should qualify for March Madness or not. \u00a0<\/p>\n
North Carolina State Wolfpack (21-11) vs Virgina Cavaliers (22-8) Matchup<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Preview<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n North Carolina State<\/strong><\/p>\n Sure they rolled over Boston College in the first round of the ACC tournament but that is the worst team in the league this year. \u00a0They had some chances to grab signature victories but in the end their best conference wins were against Miami, another bubble team, but one that beat Duke. \u00a0I think the Wolfpack needs at least one more win to get in and they are getting a good chance to do that by drawing Virginia.<\/p>\n The Wolfpack are led by highly touted forward C.J. Leslie. \u00a0Thought to be a one and done candidate, it took him a while to adjust to the college game. \u00a0While his ceiling is still high what has really changed this year is consistency – only three times did he not score in double figures. \u00a0Against Virginia in a one point loss he had 17 points, not bad considering how UVA deflates scoring. \u00a0Looking for another key player for NC State, how about forward Rickard Howell. \u00a0He only had 18 rebounds in just 28 minutes that same game and is a load. [soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n Virginia<\/strong><\/p>\n The Virginia Cavaliers have probably done enough to return to the tournament but the last thing they want to do is leave any doubt with an early exit from the ACC tourney on Friday. \u00a0All of their last 4 games have been decided by 3 points or less but their record is just 2-2. \u00a0Especially stinging was their loss to Florida State. \u00a0They completely fell apart in that one as the Seminoles rallied after losing center Bernard James to ejection for kicking.<\/p>\n Coach Tony Bennett is getting the most out of this squad but I am not sure what there is to like about these guys. \u00a0Yes, they have a strong commitment to defense but on the opposite end of the floor they really struggle. \u00a0Only senior forward Mike Scott is a legit threat and with a good game plan you should be able to neutralize him. \u00a0In the quarters where they are the more rested team they should win but beyond that I think you should fade the Cavaliers.<\/p>\n
\nFriday March 9
\nPhilips Arena – Atlanta, GA
\n2:00PM
\nMoneyline: \u00a0No line currently posted
\nSpread: \u00a0Cavaliers -2.5
\nO\/U: \u00a0No line currently posted<\/strong><\/p>\n