Championship Sunday From Charlotte, North Carolina

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March 10, 2002

Championship Sunday from the Charlotte Coliseum…

Many of the fans in attendance were expecting the Duke Blue Devils to be in today’s championship game. However, they were not expecting the opponent to be the NC State Wolfpack. NC State upended Maryland by the count of 86-82 yesterday for the chance to win the championship later this afternoon. For the first time since 1994, a number one seed lost on Saturday at the ACC tournament. If you were curious about the game back in 1994… it was Virginia that upset top seeded Duke that year.

Many fans from Raleigh are expected to make the trek down to Charlotte following the big win yesterday. The excitement mounts as Wolfpack fans dream of a possible championship. Conversely, many additional Maryland fans had made the trip to Charlotte expecting a good chance to win the tournament. They left the Coliseum in disbelief yesterday having witnessed their highly ranked team fall to defeat.

As for Virginia… their fate is now in the hands of the NCAA tournament committee. If you were wondering how the outcome of the NC State game affects Virginia… the general perception here in Charlotte is that it helps Virginia’s chances. But, only time will tell as the committee will announce the final decisions later this afternoon.

Today’s game will culminate the 49th Annual ACC tournament with the crowning of another champion. Will it be the Cinderella team from Raleigh, or the highly regarded team from Durham? Now it’s time to see… tip off at 1:00…

Bryan Wyker