Weekend Preview

North Carolina State (12-6, 1-3) at Florida State (13-7, 2-3): The 'Noles got a two point win at home over Virginia to stay in the at-large hunt. The 'Pack was dealt a three point home loss by Georgia Tech to nearly fall out of it. State's lack of ballhandling has been exacerbated with former starting PG Farnold Degand out of the lineup - their TO rate is an unsightly 24.5% in ACC play. With a porous defense, that won't get it done. There will be an interesting mismatch in this game. North Carolina State's top 5 in minutes go 6-5, 6-8, 6-9, 6-9, 6-10 while Florida State goes 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3, 6-9.

Virginia Tech (12-8, 2-3) at Boston College (12-5, 3-1): The Eagles were dealt their first conference loss of the season last weekend at Virginia, but this will be a nice chance for them to bounce back. The Hokies followed back-to-back conference one point conference wins with a pair of double digit losses (Duke and Georgia Tech). Without Jeff Allen in the lineup for the second straight game, expect the Eagles to take this one at home from the young Hokies.

Clemson (15-4, 3-2) at Miami (14-4, 1-3): The Tigers are coming off their 3rd OT game in 5 ACC contests while Miami was ripped at home by North Carolina on Wednesday. Miami's defense has been terrible during their three consecutive conference losses including an incredible 1.35 points per possession against North Carolina. With a solid but not great offense, that defense will need to improve in a major way for the 'Canes to capitalize on their fast start. Trevor Booker has come alive for Clemson, averaging 18.3/8.8 since the New Year and he should lead a potent Tigers offense to victory in what could be close to a must-win game for the Hurricanes.

Georgia Tech at Virginia: It's a matchup of the two worst defenses in the conference on an adjusted basis so expect some scoring. The Cavaliers must win this game, and they should be able to do that if someone other than Sean Singletary assumes a scoring role. On the other hand, the Jackets have played quite well lately, following up a close loss to UNC with wins over Virginia Tech and North Carolina State. Still, with a 2-17 conference road record over the past three years, seeing is believing with Georgia Tech winning road games.