First Round (Tuesday, March 12th)
#12 Miami vs #13 Wake Forest
Miami 79, Wake Forest 71 – FINAL
#10 Georgia Tech vs #15 Notre Dame
Notre Dame 78, Georgia Tech 71 – FINAL
#11 Boston College vs #14 Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh 80, Boston College 70 – FINAL
Second Round (Wednesday, March 13th)
#8 NC State vs #9 Clemson
I feel that NC State will be most peoples bubble-in for this game. However, I feel that everyone should accept that Clemson is on something special right now in how they’ve been playing. The Tigers will get a big tournament win after what people thought to be a failed season. Clemson 67, NC State 58
#12 Miami vs #5 Virginia Tech
This matchup is easy enough, as these two have met twice prior to this game. The Hokies have shown they can shoot really well against the Hurricanes whether it be at home or on the road. I am taking Virginia Tech in another dominant win. Virginia Tech 83, Miami 72
#15 Notre Dame vs #7 Louisville
This Notre Dame team is lucky enough for a win against Georgia Tech, let alone Louisville. There is a reason that the Irish performed so bad in the ACC conference this year and it will show in this game. Louisville will light up the court and run Notre Dame out of it as well. Louisville 79, Notre Dame 63
#14 Pittsburgh vs #6 Syracuse
I will give credit to the Panthers, they have done more than they are given credit for. I am foreseeing a very close game with this one where it will come down to the wire. However, I do see the better team in Syracuse pulling away with well executed plays. Syracuse 74, Pittsburgh 69
Quarterfinals (Thursday, March 14th)
#1 Virginia vs #9 Clemson
The Cavaliers seem to have a formula to win and its through its defense. For the Tigers to win, their offense would have to be stellar above most of the teams Virginia has played. And it really just isn’t at all an offense that would beat Virginia. Virginia 76, Clemson 65
#4 Florida State vs #5 Virginia Tech
With this game last time, Virginia Tech had to keep it close with a tough Florida State squad on senior night. And most surprisingly, they did and looked like the clear winner for a while. I think the Hokies will have a better shooting night than they did in Tallahassee and realize what’s at stake. Virginia Tech 77, Florida State 73
#2 North Carolina vs #7 Louisville
The Tarheels have been playing a great paint presence style and this will come to show against Louisville. This Cardinal team likes to jack up the three pointers, but most don’t fall and UNC will capitalize on their rebounding. North Carolina should win this one in imposing fashion. North Carolina 83, Louisville 71
#3 Duke vs #6 Syracuse
Originally I saw this to be a doomsday scenario for the Blue Devils, then some good news flew in for Duke. Zion Williamson will return for this game and further show why he is the best player right now in college basketball. Duke 77, Syracuse 70
Semifinals (Friday, March 15th)
#1 Virginia vs #5 Virginia Tech
The Hokies just have not been able to produce a win against the Cavaliers this whole season. Whenever it seems that Virginia Tech will split off and win, the Cavaliers shoot their way back into the game and win it. I think we see a marginal win, but nothing outrageous as Virginia continues its reign over Virginia Tech this season. Virginia 78, Virginia Tech 71
#2 North Carolina vs #3 Duke
These past games against North Carolina, Duke has been missing a key piece in rebounding and scoring. And news has spread that he could potentially return to play the rival that his injury occurred in. I think Zion will get his team fired up to overtake the Tarheels. Duke 84, North Carolina 76
ACC Tournament Championship Final (Saturday, March 16th)
#1 Virginia vs #3 Duke
There is a reoccurring theme every season with the ACC: Virginia wins the regular season title and Duke/UNC will win the tournament. I think this trend will remain as Zion motivates his team to reclaim an ACC title that was within grasp. Duke 73, Virginia 68
ACC Champs: Duke Blue Devils
Do you agree with this selection and the outcomes of these games? Let us know in the comments below and make sure to follow us at @redcupcollegesports on Instagram!
Photo Credits: http://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/acc-will-again-consider-north-carolina-for-future-championship-events/1s7qpnj7o6nyn1kzgere6iy8pq
