Saturday, Feb. 18
Florida State (18-7, 9-2) at N.C. State (18-8, 7-4)
When: 1 p.m.
Where: Raleigh, N.C., RBC Center (19,700)
Fast break:
So, FSU must makes the quick trip to Raleigh coming off a thrilling
comeback win over Virginia Tech while the Wolfpack must find a way to
get over blowing a 20-point lead at Duke and losing to the Blue Devils.
Whatever team is more into it early on will win. That said, FSU just
hasn’t played that well of late, so the home team gets the edge.
Forecast: N.C. State, 70-62.
Wake Forest (12-14, 3-9) at Miami (15-9, 6-5)
When: 1 p.m.
Where: Coral Gables, FL, BankUnited Center (7,000)
Fast break:
Given what Miami must achieve to get into the NCAA Tournament, the
Hurricanes must treat this game the same way they did UNC’s visit the
other night. The intent should be to put out the Demon Deacons by
halftime. Go to Reggie Johnson and Kenny Kadji just about every time
down the floor and it will happen.
Forecast: Miami, 77-61.
Maryland (15-10, 5-6) at Virginia (19-6, 6-5)
When: 1 p.m.
Where: Charlottesville, VA, John Paul Jones Arena (16,500)
Fast break:
This is as big a game as Virginia has played this season. The Wahoos
are banged up but they have to find the reserve to get this victory to
slow a negative track. Maryland is certainly capable of pulling out a
victory, but it must get scoring balance to do so.
Forecast: Virginia, 62-55.
Georgia Tech (9-16, 2-9) at Virginia Tech (14-12, 3-8)
When: 3 p.m.
Where: Blacksburg, VA, Cassell Coliseum (9,847)
Fast break:
How do the Hokies come back less than 48 hours later and play a game
after the collapse in Tallahassee? That might be Seth Greenberg’s
greatest test as a coach this season. The Yellow Jackets might view this
as an opportunity, especially if Tech is flat early on.
Forecast: Virginia Tech, 66-60.
Clemson (13-12, 5-6) at North Carolina (22-4, 9-2)
When: 4 p.m.
Where: Chapel Hill, N.C., Dean Smith Center (21,750)
Fast break:
Clemson has never, ever beaten the Tar Heels in Chapel Hill, losing all
55 times the Tigers have ventured to the Tar Heels’ home. It’s unlikely
the streak will end this year, as UNC has too many weapons and the
Tigers just won’t score enough to hang with the ACC’s most talented
team. Clemson could frustrate UNC some, as it’s defense is excellent and
they will play physically. Avoiding a 20-plus point margin will be a
victory of sorts for Brad Brownell’s guys.
Forecast: UNC, 82-64.
Sunday, Feb. 19
Duke (22-4, 9-2) at Boston College (8-17, 3-8)
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Chestnut Hill, MA, Conte Forum (8,600)
Fast break:
If Duke comes out flat and has to overcome a sizeable deficit to beat
the Eagles there is no way the media should let Mike Krzyzewski not
discuss concerns with his team. Duke may not cruise through the first
half, but it should win by a decent margin, but it should also never
trail by more than a couple of baskets.
Forecast: Duke, 82-60.
Andrew Jones’ record: 178-45
