Finally, what we expect out of an ACC game:Â Virginia's comeback at Clemson was remarkable, and worthy of the ACC tradition of great basketball.Down 16, Virginia had an amazing rally and won on a tip-in with 15.5 seconds left.
| ACC Standings | ||||
| Virginia Tech | 6-1 | .857 | 16-5 | .762 |
| North Carolina | 5-1 | .833 | 19-2 | .905 |
| Boston College | 6-2 | .750 | 14-6 | .700 |
| Duke | 5-2 | .714 | 18-3 | .857 |
| Virginia | 5-2 | .714 | 13-6 | .684 |
| Clemson | 4-4 | .500 | 18-4 | .818 |
| Florida State | 3-4 | .429 | 15-6 | .714 |
| Maryland | 2-4 | .333 | 16-5 | .762 |
| Georgia Tech | 2-5 | .286 | 13-7 | .650 |
| Miami | 2-5 | .286 | 9-12 | .429 |
| NC State | 1-5 | .167 | 11-8 | .579 |
| Wake Forest | 1-7 | .125 | 9-11 | .450 |
After their remarkable comeback in Durham, Clemson scored a pair of free throws at the 5:05 mark and whiffed from there on out. Meanwhile, UVa had their way.
It was a good day for the state of Virginia as Virginia Tech beat Georgia Tech in Atlanta, 73-65, as the education of Javaris Crittenton continued: after UNC thoroughly discombobulated the promising young point guard, Tech picked up the theme, and Zabian Dowdell harassed him into 5-19 shooting. Here's an interesting statistical comparison:Â Va. Tech shot nearly 60% to Ga. Tech's 35.5%, but never had more than a 10 point lead.
Paul Hewitt, who at times does an unintentional impression of Jack Benny while on the sidelines, has to be getting closer to Ralph Cramden. His team, though talented, is edging closer to the NIT every game. That's not what he expects, and it's not what Tech's fans expected this year either.
The conference is off until Tuesday, when Tech (Ga) travels to Wake Forest, and Maryland heads down to Tallahassee. Three out of the four are still viable, with legitimate NCAA hopes, but the margin of error is narrowing rather quickly.
If Tech loses at Wake, that may just about do them in. Miracles happen, but not eight in a row.
But the other game should be a blast. Both teams like to press and run, and both, though flawed, can play with passion and heart. The NCAA line as of now is drawn under Clemson. FSU and Maryland are borderline; Tech would be NIT as of today. So Tuesday is pretty key for all three teams.
- Tar Heels depart Arizona smiling
- Campers wait for tickets despite cold weather
- ACC men's basketball notebook
- Jacket' stars struggle in loss to Hokies
- Suddenly, Cavs lovin' the road
- A rally for the ages
- Arizona is cure for sick Heels
- Cavs stun Tigers 64-63
- Hokies climb to first
- Look who's alone in first place in the ACC.
- Not road tripped
- Tech 9th in the ACC
- No defense for underachieving