Let’s take a quick lookee lookee at the remaining conference games, shall we?
Tue 3/1/05 VA.TECH @ CLEMSON Littlejohn, Clemson 7:00 PM RSN
This one almost certainly closed the door on the Hokie’s opportunity for an at-large bid. I think the symmetry of how the game ended was beautiful. In their first meeting, Clemson had the ball at the end of the game only to have it stolen by Carlos Dixon and taken in for the game-winning layup. That’s a rare and heartbreaking way to lose a game. Last night, the Tigers turned the tables, doing the exact same thing to Tech.
Wed 3/2/05 GA.TECH @ WAKE Lawrence Joel, Winston-Salem 7:00 PM ESPN
I think the Jackets are probably in already, but a win here would wrap it up for certain. Conversely, if Wake wins this one and their game at State (see below), their #1 seed is assured.
Wed 3/2/05 NC STATE @ VIRGINIA U-Hall, Charlottesville 9:00 PM RSN
This game has no real meaning for UVA other than senior day. I guess it’s coach day too, huh? Think Pete Gillen’s parents will be there?
I think NC State needs two more wins this season. This needs to be one and they’ll probably need another in the ACC tourney.
Thu 3/3/05 MIAMI @ DUKE Cameron Indoor, Durham 7:00 PM ESPN
Yawn. Yes, Miami could earn a bid with a win here, but then the world would come to an abrupt end, so what’s the point?
Thu 3/3/05 FLA.STATE @ N.CAROLINA Smith Center, Chapel Hill 9:00 PM RJ
Did you know that Yellowstone Park is the location of the world’s largest active volcano?
Sat 3/5/05 CLEMSON @ GA.TECH Alexander Mem., Atlanta 1:30 PM RJ
Clemson is headed to the NIT for their first postseason appearance since 1999. Man, remember the days when an NCAA bid was just assumed for them every year? Yeah, me neither.
The Yellow Jackets can’t afford to drop this one, so John Swofford ought to go David Stern on the refs for this game. Clemson can NOT pull off the upset here!
Sat 3/5/05 MARYLAND @ VA.TECH Cassell Col., Blacksburg 4:00 PM RJ
The turtles sure are testing that tortoise and the hare thing, huh? They probably should have gone ahead and sprinted across the line when they had the chance, but now they have to finish strong in a place that’s been surprisingly difficult. This is not a gimme for them and Virginia Tech still has an outside shot.
In some ways, this is the best remaining game on the schedule. Never thought I’d write that about a late-season Maryland – Virginia Tech game, but there you go.
Sun 3/6/05 VIRGINIA @ FLA.STATE Leon County C.C., Tallahassee 2:00 PM RJ
Set your TIVO!!
Sun 3/6/05 DUKE @ N.CAROLINA Smith Center, Chapel Hill 4:00 PM CBS
A #1 seed is in the offing here. At least, for Carolina it is. Win this game, and they will get a top NCAA seed regardless of what happens in the ACC tournament. Lose and they still might get one, but you’ll hear every talking head in the country bring up the fact that they’ve lost all three games against Wake and Duke.
Duke could get a #1 with a win in Chapel Hill and a run to the ACC finals. They might have to win the tourney depending on how other top teams do in their conference tourneys.
Sun 3/6/05 WAKE @ NC STATE RBC Center, Raleigh 8:00 PM FSN
Here is NC State’s big chance. This is their last guaranteed opportunity for a good, marketable win. Who would be surprised to see State lose in Charlottesville and then win this one?
For Wake, as I mentioned, a win here gets them a #1, assuming they also handle G-Tech. Lose one of those games and they’ll need a run to the ACC tourney finals.