#1. UNC 27-4 (14-2) - 12pm Fri. vs. UMD/WFU
Even if UNC tries to channel their inner-2005 or 2009 because they have greater aspirations this year, they should still win the ACC Championship. It has been a crazy year, however, and with the results in this tournament more important to other teams, I am predicting the Heels to lose in the semifinals to... Keep reading to find out.
#2. Duke 26-5 (13-3) - 7pm Fri. vs. Clemson/VT
Before I turned one in 1987, NC State won their last ACC Championship to tie Carolina for the league lead with 10. At the time, Duke had seven; in the 24 tournaments since, the Blue Devils have won exactly half to take the all-time lead over UNC, 19-17. I remain a jinx as State still only has 10.
The Blue Devils have owned this tournament ever since the current batch of Devils were born, and they play like it every year. Unfortunately for Duke fans, I don't expect any of that to matter this year. Especially without Ryan Kelly, I do not see Coach K's boys winning this tournament.
#3. FSU 21-9 (12-4) - 9pm Fri. vs. Miami/GT
If they can get past a motivated Miami team who has already beaten them once, I expect the Noles to win their first ACC Championship. Their unique combination of depth, talent, and defense plays well in this tournament setting. UNC owes the Noles something and I would expect a Tar Heel victory in that Finals match-up, but as I said, I see Carolina losing in the Semifinals to...
#4. UVA 22-8 (9-7) - 2pm Fri. vs. NCSU/BC
With only one all-time championship and the league's worst recent tournament history (the Hoos haven't advanced past the quarterfinals since 1995), the Hoos will curb-stomp my Pack's NCAA Tournament hopes, assuming State makes it past the Eagles in the First Round.
Since it's damn hard to beat any team three times in one season, Mike Scott will be trying to prove he is the league's Player of the Year in this tournament, and UNC has bigger fish to fry, I am then predicting the Cavaliers to knock out Carolina in the Semis before losing to FSU in the Finals. If the Noles don't make it past Miami, I am picking UVA to defeat Duke in the Finals.
#5. NCSU 20-11 (9-7) - 2pm Thurs. vs. BC
I think two wins will sneak State into the Big Dance, so naturally, some #NCStateShit will happen and I will be heartbroken at some point on Thursday or Friday. Four of the five all-time 12-seeds in this tournament have beaten the five-seed (when State was the 12-seed, it was the only time the five-seed won), so the BC game is not a given. Like I said, however, my money is on the Cavaliers sinking the Pack's NCAA ship on Friday.
#6. Miami 18-11 (9-7) - 9pm Thurs. vs. GT
Miami's talent was the most underrated in the ACC all preseason and up until they won at Cameron Indoor Stadium. With a tournament berth on the line and their new coach's penchant for tournament magic, I think the potential FSU-Miami game will be the most exciting of the tournament. If Miami can win that to secure a tournament bid, I think they will lose to Duke off that emotional hangover.
#7. Clemson 16-14 (8-8) - 7pm Thurs. vs. VT
Clemson locks up their NIT bid and then loses to Duke on Friday. The Hokies will miss Victor Davila (Yadkin County represent!).
#8. UMD 16-14 (6-10) - 12pm Thurs. vs. WFU
For some reason, I think Wake pulls the upset. Maryland should have the advantage in talent and on the sidelines, but I think some Tobacco Road magic will make Lefty and Sweaty realize that the tournament does not have to be held in North Carolina for Maryland to suck. With Terrell Stoglin caring about nothing except Terrell Stoglin, the Deacons carry over their momentmum from the almost-comeback in College Park at the beginning of the season.
#9. WFU 13-17 (4-12) - 12pm Thurs. vs. WFU
After exceeding everyone's regular-season expectations and pulling an upset in the tournament, Wake's season will end against the All-ACC Team... Oops, I meant UNC.
#10. VT 15-16 (4-12) - 7pm Thurs. vs. Clemson
As usual, Greenberg whines about being on the wrong side of the bubble... the CBI bubble that his Athletic Director won't pay for again.
#11. GT 11-19 (4-12) - 9pm Thurs. vs. Miami
I wonder what kind of record Paul Hewitt would have had with this team.
#12. BC 9-21 (4-12) - 2pm Thurs. vs. NCSU
I respect #NCStateShit too much to say anything.
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