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ACC Roundup

Another good Saturday of basketball is on tap as the ACC continues of the most entertaining seasons in conference history.

Feb 18, 2015; Coral Gables, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Angel Rodriguez (13) drives to the basket as Virginia Tech Hokies guard Devin Wilson (11) defends in the second half at BankUnited Center.
Feb 18, 2015; Coral Gables, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Angel Rodriguez (13) drives to the basket as Virginia Tech Hokies guard Devin Wilson (11) defends in the second half at BankUnited Center.
Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

With just a few weeks left, the ACC season is drawing to a close, but there are still some compelling games left, and for State, Miami, Pitt and Clemson, a chance either reach the bubble or play their way off of the bubble.

Saturday's ACC Action
Teams Times TV
Pitt @ Syracuse Noon ACCN
Georgia Tech @ UNC Noon ACCN
Miami @ Louisville 2:00 ESPN/ESPN2
Clemson @ Duke 4:00 ESPN/ESPN2
Virginia Tech @ NC State 6:00 ESPN2
Schools Conf W-L Conf PCT W-L PCT
Virginia 12-1 .923 24-1 .960
Notre Dame 11-3 .786 23-4 .852
Duke 10-3 .769 23-3 .885
Louisville 8-5 .615 20-6 .769
North Carolina 8-5 .615 18-8 .692
Syracuse 8-5 .615 17-9 .654
Miami 7-6 .538 17-9 .654
Clemson 7-7 .500 15-11 .577
Pitt 6-7 .462 17-10 .630
NC State 6-7 .462 15-11 .577
Florida State 6-7 .462 15-12 .556
Wake Forest 4-10 .286 12-15 .444
Georgia Tech 3-11 .214 12-14 .462
Virginia Tech 2-11 .154 10-16 .385
Boston College 1-11 .083 9-16 .360

Pitt's first chance comes against Syracuse in the Carrier Dome. Pitt's been there plenty of times, so no intimidation factor. Both teams have played better of late, so this should be a really good game.

Same deal for Miami at Louisville. The 'Canes have been a pain periodically but not enough. A win over Louisville would be a big plus.

A major obstacle: a revitalized (or angry) Chris Smith. Reinstated, the guard will likely want to make a statement and will certainly be doing what the staff asks. He's on a short leash as is.

We'd expect the Irish to beat BC, but as great as Jerian Grant has been, Olivier Hanlan has been nearly that good at times too.  He's a great player on a rebuilding team. His time will come.

And we also think that the State-Virginia Tech game could also be good. State is still scrambling for a bid and can't afford any more brainfart games. Virginia Tech, on the other hand, is building to a much brighter future. Next year, the Hokies will add Sean Allen from Maryland, Chris Clarke, a talented mid-sized player,  point guard Justin Robinson and power player Kerry Blackshear. All are well-regarded.

Buzz Williams will upgraded at almost every position. His biggest problem will be to keep people happy, but that's a better problem than the ones he's had this year.

But of course that's next year. This year, it's about guts and effort, and the Hokies have had that. State has not every time out, but the Pack is getting better too.