Semifinal Saturday

Game #1: #1 North Carolina vs. #4 Florida State

UNC was able to beat Virginia Tech in the first quarterfinal game yesterday without ACC player of the year Ty Lawson (injured toe). Tyler Hansbrough came up huge for the Heels scoring 28 points and grabbing 8 boards.

Florida State was able to sneak by Georgia Tech in the second quarterfinal, 64-62. Toney Douglas was his usual self, leading the Seminoles with 25 points.

This should be a very good game. Without Lawson, UNC cannot quite play at the breakneck pace that they typically enjoy. Douglas is one of the best players in the league and will give UNC fits without the speedy Lawson to slow him down. Florida St. will also be able to rebound with North Carolina with all their size, something Virginia Tech really struggled with against the Heels on Friday. Everything about this game makes me want to pick Florida State but for some reason I can't make myself do it. Maybe it is Leonard Hamilton. I'm not sure. Whatever it is, I say UNC by six.

Game #2: #3 Duke vs. #7 Maryland

Duke barely escaped a game effort from Boston College, winning 66-65 behind 26 points from Kyle Singler on 10-15 shooting.

Maryland played themselves off the NCAA bubble and into the tournament, beating #2 seed Wake Forest 75-64. Greivis Vasquez continued his stellar play of the past month, with a statline of 22 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds.

This too should be a great game. Duke is looking to right some of their postseason wrongs from the past couple of years and is using the ACC tournament as a start for that. Maryland, while not now on the bubble, would love to win one more just to be absolutely sure. Also, Duke has beaten Maryland twice this year and Maryland will desperately want a win versus Duke. My pick is Duke by five. Duke and UNC will play for the ACC title on Sunday afternoon.