ACC Tournament Roundup – A Great Semifinals Set For Friday

In Thursday’s ACC Tournament Action, Virginia received by NC State, 81-74, Miami survived Louisville, 78-73, and Clemson held on to beat UNC, 80-79.

Clemson was cruising on this one earlier than UNC outscored the Tigers 25-11 over the past 4:55, together with 5 threes. What we noticed from UNC here’s what we’ve talked about beforehand: in our opinion, UNC’s issues come right down to how Hubert Davis communicates to his crew.

Exhibit #1: Why did the Tar Heels await the final 5 minutes to essentially get going? Under Dean Smith, the Heels had been intensely aggressive from begin to end. Under Roy Williams, they weren’t as subtle, however the fist nonetheless smashed into your face.

Under Davis? No focus, no theme, little crew consciousness. We talked about this lately after watching a UNC quick break descend into chaos. This was completely summed up when two UNC gamers bumped into one another close to the tip of the sport. It wasn’t Davis’s fault, however would you might have seen that on a Dean Smith crew?

Almost actually not, as a result of he has prized consciousness and communication, which might have made that collision unlikely.

The different drawback is that with out Caleb Wilson, it is a assortment of function gamers. Henri Veesaar had a great recreation right here, particularly rebounding (17/5 offensive), and he was the driving issue within the comeback, however his play has gone Robin since Batman Wilson went out.

Anyway, UNC is finished, so Duke will not see them. Not that Clemson shall be straightforward.

Somewhat like Wake Forest, NC State has fought towards greater groups, not least of all Virginia.

The Cavaliers crushed them twice within the common season, and on this one, blocked 9 photographs. State shot 50% exterior however simply 37% general. The Wolfpack was far more aggressive, however nonetheless misplaced.

After the sport, Will Wade confronted the rumors that he’s contemplating a return to LSU, and he denied them, saying he was excited concerning the future in Raleigh.

By the way in which, of the groups left, Virginia has essentially the most depth and which may be decisive. Something to bear in mind.

Miami confirmed coronary heart on the finish of a recreation once more, making the suitable performs, together with a devastating steal by Tru Washington after a ‘Canes basket. Malik Reneau made the free throws, and Miami had a 5-level lead with lower than a minute to play. Shelton Henderson celebrated with a late dunk.

Keep in thoughts that Mikel Brown sat out once more along with his again situation.

Here’s one thing we have puzzled about: Jai Lucas has performed an excellent job in his first yr at Miami, however by some means, his dad, John, by no means appears to get talked about. And that is unusual, as a result of he is a authentic ACC legend who starred at Maryland.

He was on digicam Thursday night time for the primary time we’re conscious of, 51 years after his ultimate match run.

So the semifinals are set: Miami and Virginia play within the first recreation on Friday, whereas Duke and Clemson rumble later.

It appears to be like like an excellent night time of basketball.

One ultimate word: Syracuse has named an AD, hiring Brian Blair from Toledo. He did properly there, so maybe Syracuse made a savvy rent. Time will inform.

Friday’s ACC Tournament Action