We have 4 matchups tonight in the ACC:
#20 Miami 15-4 (6-3) at Florida State 7-13 (5-4) 7pm ESPNU
After a close loss on Saturday to Duke, the Hurricanes prepare for another road game Tuesday night. They face of against instate rival Florida State in Tallahassee.
The Hurricanes have lost their last 3 road games and are looking to right the ship against Florida State. The Seminoles despite a tough go in the non-conference have started 5-4 in ACC play and won their last 2 ballgames.
Isaiah Wong has been a big factor this year again for Miami, averaging 16.2 ppg and 3.7 ast. I see Miami’s ability to get out a run wear down Florida State in the 2nd half being a big factor in this game as they get the win on the road.
Line: Miami -3
Notre Dame 9-11 (1-8) at NC State 15-5 (5-4) 7pm ACCN
In this Tuesday night matchup, we have two teams both looking to get back into the win column. Notre Dame is still looking to get things rolling in what will be Mike Brey’s last season on the bench. NC State lost a tough on to rival UNC on Saturday and also had star guard Terquavion Smith take a scary fall in the ballgame.
An interesting matchup will be between Nate Laszewski and DJ Burns Jr. Laszewski is averaging 14.1 ppg and scored 29 in the Irish’s loss to Boston College. Burns will be one of the defenders on him for State and he himself is averaging 10.3 ppg. Both are good passers out of the post and both teams will need them to stay out of foul trouble.
With or without Smith being able to play, I see NC State able to take care of business at home. However if he cannot go, I look for this being a closer game against a veteran Irish team.
Line: NC State -8
North Carolina 14-6 (6-3) at Syracuse 13-7 (6-3) 9pm ESPN
The Tar Heels travel up north to Syracuse to take on the Orange in a late night tip. North Carolina is coming off an 80-69 win over NC State and has won their last 3 in a row. Syracuse defeated Georgia Tech on Saturday 80-63 and has won 3 of their last 4.
Armano Bacot hit a big milestone Saturday, as he became the all-time leading rebounder in North Carolina history. The senior is averaging 17.8 ppg and 11.6 rebounds. Bacot is also the strong front-runner for the ACC Player of the Year. Look for Bacot to be a strong focal point for UNC beat the Syracuse zone.
Joe Girard III has been on fire for Syracuse as of the past few games. In 3 out of the last 4, he has gone for over 20 points and averaged 4.5 assists during that stretch. Syracuse will need another strong shooting performance from the guard if they are to take down UNC at home.
I see this one being close, but eventually Bacot gets going in the middle of the zone and North Carolina hits some shots late to pull away.
Line: UNC -4.5
Georgia Tech 8-11 (1-8) at #24 Clemson 16-4 (8-1) 9pm ACCN
In our final game of the night, we have a rematch between Georgia Tech and Clemson. Georgia Tech is coming off a loss at home to Notre Dame and has lost 5 in a row. Clemson beat Virginia Tech on a last second Hunter Tyson 3 and is leading the ACC at 8-1.
The Tigers have been missing Chase Hunter the past two games. The guard hurt his ankle against Duke and has missed the Wake Forest and Virginia Tech game. In his absence, PJ Hall has stepped his game up averaging 22.7 ppg and 7 rebounds over his last 3 games.
Miles Kelly has been a bright spot for the Jackets over a tough opening stretch of ACC play. Kelly scored 17 last time against Clemson and they will need his scoring again to take down the Tigers. A key defensively will be to keep Clemson uncomfortable and make them take contested shorts from the outside.
Chase Hunter is listed as day-to-day, but the Tigers have started adjusting to playing without him. While Clemson would love to have Hunter back, I see the Tigers taking care of business at home.
Line: Clemson -10.5