Virginia (9-13, 3-8)
at NC State (14-10, 4-7)
Saturday, 1 p.m.
Are wins over Virginia Tech and Clemson a sign of things to come for the Cavaliers? That'll be put to the test against a middle-of-the-road ACC team in North Carolina State.
Although certainly out of any notable post-season tournament, Virginia is reaping the joy of a 14-point victory over the archrival Hokies.
The Wolfpack is coming off of a nine-point loss to the nations No. 3 team, North Carolina. It may seem like momentum would be swinging toward UVa, but the Wolfpack played one of its best games against the Tar Heels and is looking to continue on that note.
NC State will be paced by the inside presence of Brandon Costner, Ben McCauley and Courtney Fells. Guard Javier Gonzalez was perfect from the floor, 6-of-6, against North Carolina earlier this week.
They will have to contend with Virginia's standout freshman Sylven Landesberg and sophomore Mike Scott on Saturday afternoon in Raleigh. Landesberg has averaged 18 points per game on the season and, as Tech fans saw on Wednesday, he can light up the floor and his team.
Clemson (21-4, 7-4)
at Georgia Tech (10-15, 1-11)
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Clemson looks to squash the Yellow Jackets in what is predicted to be an incredible blow-out by the Tigers.
Clemson barely went down in the ranking after an unexpected overtime loss to the Virginia Cavaliers, but they bounced back anyway with a dominant 29-point victory over Maryland.
Their energy, combined with Georgia Tech's five-game losing streak, looks promising for the Tigers.
Clemson is led by power forward Trevor Booker and guard Terrence Oglesby. Booker's last game was a perfect 6-of-6 from the floor, including a three pointer. Oglesby, who leads the Tigers in both points and in generality, crushed Maryland with 16-points and six assists.
The Yellow Jackets will have a hard time staying competitive in this match-up, but their only chance is for forwards Gani Lawal and Alade Aminu, and guard Iman Shumpert to have the game of their lives and stop the Tigers' ferocious attack.
North Carolina (24-2, 10-2) at Maryland (16-9, 5-6)
Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009 -- the day the turtle could go extinct. North Carolina is sitting all alone atop the ACC on a 10-game winning streak while Maryland is coming off a 29-point loss at Clemson.
Led by the 2008 National Player of the Year -- senior Tyler Hansbrough -- the Tar Heels have little to worry about over a Maryland team that is almost certainly heading to the National Invitational Tournament in March.
Maryland will be unable to guard the 6'9" Hansbrough, who is averaging 21.4 points per game and shooting more than 50 percent from the floor.
Granted, when they faced each other just weeks ago in North Carolina, the Terrapins scored a season-high 91 points. Unfortunately for Gary Williams' fans, however, the Tar Heels have averaged 91.7 points over the entire season.
In addition to stopping the many Tar Heel weapons head coach Roy Williams has, Maryland guards Eric Hayes and Greivis Vasquez will have to make smart plays and cause very few turnovers on the night.
Even with Maryland playing a perfect game, it will be difficult for them to stop a team well on its way to at least a repeat Final Four appearance.
Boston College (19-8, 7-5 ACC) at Miami (15-10, 4-8)
Saturday, Noon
Boston College will make the long trip down the coast to Miami for a game that only has real implications for the Eagles.
Miami is not only coming off of a three-game losing streak, it is in 10th place in the ACC and is essentially scrimmaging the next few weeks until the off season opens up.
Despite a seven-point Miami victory in their January meeting in Boston, the Eagles should be able to contain Miami's Jack McClinton and James Dews.
McClinton has scored 114 points in Miami's last four games and most recently tied the school's record for all-time three pointers with 265.
Miami is not a bad team, but it is inconsistent and cannot close out games, which lead to its demise on Saturday afternoon.
Boston College is middle-of-the-road as far as its resume for the Tournament committee goes right now. It has had key wins over UNC and Duke, but have also had some fluke losses. Being able to win the next four games, all of which are winnable, would be a big help -- and it all starts with Miami.
Wake Forest (20-4, 7-4) at Duke (20-5, 7-4)
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