We are down to only 4 teams left in the 2022 ACC Tournament. With Selection Sunday only a couple days away, teams are trying to add last minute additions to their NCAA Tournament resumes.
#1 Duke (27-5, 16-4) vs. #4 Miami (23-9, 14-6) 7pm ESPN
According to Joe Lunardi’s Friday edition of Bracketology (ESPN), Duke is projected as a #2 seed and Miami as a #10 seed. While both are projected to be in the field, Miami is in his Last Four Byes group, meaning they are one of the last 8 teams to get into the field. Duke is trying to play for a #1 seed while Miami is trying to make sure they give the committee every reason to put them in the tournament.
Duke got Syracuse’s best shot yesterday, and that was without All-ACC 1st Team star Buddy Boeheim, who was suspended after throwing a punch in the Florida State game. Duke pulled away late to win 88-79, but the game was tighter than the score showed. Wendell Moore Jr. led the Blue Devils with 26 points and 8 assists, and Jeremy Roach provided 19 points off the bench.
Miami went to OT against #13 seed Boston College, which was a close game throughout as well. Jordan Miller’s game winning layup as time expired gave Miami the victory and a spot in the Semifinals. The Hurricanes had 4 players in double figures, with guard Kameron McGusty’s 16 points leading the way.
This is an interesting matchup with Miami handing Duke a rare home loss on January 8th and you would have to think that is on everyone’s minds. Duke also is a team that still has that sour taste in it’s mouth from the home loss against UNC last Saturday night in Coach K’s final home game. Miami has guards that can play with Duke, but the Blue Devils have an advantage inside with Mark Williams. Duke averages about 8 more rebounds per game than Miami, and I would look for 2nd chance points to be an important factor. With Williams also being a tough shot blocker, Miami will need to hit outside shots as well to keep Duke’s defense from collapsing in the lanes. I think this will be close throughout, but Duke will pull away in the 2nd half and punch their ticket to the Final.
Spread: Duke -9, Nick’s Pick: Duke
#7 Virginia Tech (21-12, 11-9) vs. #3 North Carolina (24-8, 15-5) 9:30pm ESPN
In the second game of the night, we have North Carolina and Virginia Tech facing off for the other spot in the Final. Friday’s edition of Bracketology by Joe Lunardi has UNC as a #8 seed and VT as one of the First Four Teams out of the tournament. This game is important for both teams, but especially for Virginia Tech as they can get another quality win and make themselves stand out in the eyes of the committee.
For really the whole game, Virginia Tech was in control against Notre Dame, and they made the Irish try to play catch up the entire night. They made some clutch baskets and free throws late to seal the 87-80 victory. Keve Aluma had 20 points and Storm Murphy added another 16. Justyn Mutts also had himself a great game with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Hokies also only turned the ball over 6 times all night.
North Carolina took care of business against Virginia 63-43. The Tar Heels were led by Brady Manek’s 21 points and 7 rebounds, as well as getting a double double from Armando Bacot. UNC was able to hold UVA to shooting 34.6% from the field and 27.3% from beyond the arc. They also out-rebounded the Cavilers 46-32 and only gave up 2 offensive rebounds all night.
This is an interesting matchup because you have a Virginia Tech team who has been hot in this tournament and has won 5 out of their last 6 games. While at the same time, you have a North Carolina team who has won their last 6 games in a row and having taken both matchups with the Hokies in the regular season. A big key in this game is who controls the glass and limits the other team’s second chance point opportunities. UNC averages about 7 more rebounds per game, but they also tend to take more shots which can led to more rebounds. The Hokies also have two solid big men as well with Aluma and Mutts. This game will also come down to who can make outside shots and force the defense to close out shooters, leaving open the driving lanes. The Aluma and Bacot matchup should be really fun to watch on the inside, while both also need to be careful about picking up early fouls. This feels like a full 40 minute type of game and which team can make key stops late. North Carolina is playing well right now, but it is hard to go against a Virginia Tech team that has been hot in this tournament. Lastly, it is really hard to beat a team three times in one season.
Spread: North Carolina -2.0, Nick’s Pick: Virginia Tech