Three games on Saturday as Maryland heads up to Boston College, Virginia visits Florida State, and UNC treks down to Clemson.
| Saturday's ACC action | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Teams | Times | TV | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| North Carolina @ Clemson | 1:00 PM | ACC Network | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Maryland @ Boston College | 1:00 PM | ACC Network | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Virginia @ Florida State | 3:00 PM | RSN | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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This will be an interesting rematch in a number of ways. First of all, both teams have improved since their January 18 meeting. Second, Tanner Smith missed most of the game in Chapel Hill and Clemson still challenged Carolina.
And third, after the loss to Duke, the pressure is on UNC. Win and they maintain a strong grip on second; lose and Florida State ties, with Maryland, Florida State and Duke the final three opponents for the Heels. Between now and then, they'll see Wake Forest Boston College and North Carolina State. We won't be shocked if one of the three gives UNC a great game, which could add even more pressure to UNC's stretch run.
Maryland at Boston College could also be a very good game. Either team might still make the tournament, but it will be close. This game is a critical loss for whoever loses.
Virginia is struggling, but despite that, despite her injuries and their problems, they're still (barely) over .500.
In a year or two, when they're presumably healthier and more experienced, this could be a great defensive game. Right now, Florida State has the clear advantage, not to mention that a loss would be a serious blemish on their NCAA resume which is powerful motivation.
For the second time this season, Tony Bennett's father Dick has written a message to his son's team, urging them to stick together in tough times. The alternative, has one of his sons players notes, is disaster.
The Washington Post has a nice article up on Jordan Williams and the rise of Maryland's young big man, and the Baltimore Sun has a piece up on Sean Mosley, who says he is more comfortable after a the game against Longwood.