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March 9, 2001
With the first game of the 2001 ACC Tournament in the books, the attention now turns to quarterfinal Friday. Four great ACC matchups combine to produce a basketball lover’s dream. Nearly 12 hours of some of the country’s best college basketball, and here is how I think things might shake out today. First, a quick recap of last night’s play-in game, and then, a look at all four quarterfinal games.
Clemson’s 66-64 win over Florida State last night snapped a three-game tournament-losing streak. Clemson out rebounded FSU 41-30 in the first round win and shot 54.8 percent from the field in the second half against the Seminoles. Down 30-27 at halftime, Clemson came back to record only its third win of the season when trailing at halftime. One of those three wins came in the 75-65 win over North Carolina earlier this year.
This is the 13th ACC Tournament meeting between UNC and Clemson. UNC has won 12 of the 13. Clemson’s February 18th upset over North Carolina earlier this season was the program’s first win over a number one ranked team in 21 years. The Tigers had lost eight straight heading into that game, including a 34-point loss to N.C. State the game before. Matt Doherty had never lost to Clemson as either a player or a coach…..10-0 as a player. Clemson guard Will Solomon has scored exactly 26 points two of the last three games he has faced the Tar Heels. Carolina is seeking its third ACC title in five years after capturing the league crown in ’97 and ’98. The Tar Heels are the winningest team in Atlantic Coast Conference tournament history.
Now, the main concern of all Virginia fans…the quarterfinal game with Georgia Tech. My sidekick Jim Hobgood’s keys to today’s game with Ramblin’ Wreck:
-Guard the guy with the ball, it’s always a good thing to do. For example, Jon Babul only had nine points, but four of his points came off of wide-open looks. Don’t allow Babul to hurt us.
-We have to get the pace of the game faster. In the two games against the Yellow Jackets this season, we only scored 68 points at home and 56 points on the road. Averaging just 62 points per game against the Ramblin’ Wreck…that is 22 points below our normal scoring average of 84 p.p.g.
-Force point guard Tony Aikens to his right. He is left-handed, so we need to force him to use his weak hand. If we force him to go to his right, he will be ineffective.
Though Georgia Tech is playing in its home town of Atlanta and only a few miles from their home arena, Alexander Memorial Coliseum, the Ramblin’ Wreck do not feel they have any home court advantage.
“Because it is in Atlanta and in the Georgia Dome, I don’t think it is a big advantage. I think everyone is going to come out and play hard,” said John Fein. “It is a whole new season, and every team is going to come out aggressively. I really don’t think there is going to be an advantage for us this weekend.”
Maryland the pre-tournament pick to win it all by many on the strength of a five-game winning streak. They have outside, inside, and bench strength. After a shake mid-season stretch, Coach Gary Williams has his squad playing some of the best basketball in the county down the stretch. Wake Forest still has something to play for regarding the NCAA. Even though most experts predict they are in the “Big Dance,” a win against Maryland would ensure their ticket and boost their seeding. Wake and Maryland have only met one other time in the ACC Tournament…the 1984 semifinals. Maryland prevailed.
Duke is seeking its 12th tournament championship and its third consecutive title. Only two other teams in ACC Tournament history have one three straight crowns….N.C. State in the 1950’s and North Carolina in the 1960’s. Coach “K” owns five tournament titles. The Wolfpack is the third winningest team in ACC Tournament history, yet N.C. State limp in losers of eight of their last 11. Can Archie Miller’s return make a difference against Duke’s three-point barrage. Probably not. Look for a Duke-Maryland semifinal matchup tomorrow.