> netslackers <

-- Wednesday, March 12, 2003 --

First of all, just thought I'd point you all in the direction of an anti-war Beastie Boys song called In a World Gone Mad. By the way, word to the wise, don't type in a "y" in place of "ie" for the word "beastie" like I accidentaly did when I was trying to get to the Beastie Boys website. It isn't a pretty site.

Now for something completely different. I thought I'd post my Silver Chips Online ACC Tournament Preview before it goes up tomorrow. Yes, that's right, you get to see it here before everyone else does on Silver Chips. You lucky dog.

Note: These are just the first round predictions. The rest will come out soon.

Silver Chips Online ACC Tournament Preview

Play-in game
#8 Clemson vs. #9 Florida St. – Clemson’s last win came on February 22 against none other than Florida St. Despite the fact that the Tigers have since gone on a four game slide, don’t be surprised when they pull away from the Seminoles in the second half. Clemson’s senior star Edward Scott averages 18 points per game and he’ll be looking to finish off his career with style. Clemson is fourth in the ACC in three-point percentage and sixth in rebound, better than Florida St. in both categories, so expect the Tigers to shoot a lot of threes and go up for second looks after misses.

Outcome: Clemson wins

First round
#1 Wake Forest vs. #8 Clemson – Last time these two teams met, Clemson stuck with Wake Forest most of the way, but ultimately the Demon Deacons pulled away. With perhaps the best player this year in Josh Howard, Wake Forest should have no problem pushing the Tigers to the wayside. The Demon Deacons have dominated the boards nearly every game this season and Clemson has no one who can stop Vytas Danelius from pounding the ball inside. Clemson need to sink a high percentage of their three-pointer attempts if they want to stay in the game.

Outcome: Wake Forest wins

#2 Maryland vs. #7 North Carolina – North Carolina has shown flashes of greatness this season, most recently shining after pulling off an upset at home against Duke. However, the Tar Heels have had more lows than highs this season after starting off 7-3 with Sean May before he suffered a season-ending injury. As a result, UNC has no inside presence and Maryland took advantage of this weakness last time the two teams met. Ryan Randle scored 14 points in just 25 minutes to help the Terps roll to a 40-point victory. UNC has limited offensive options and while Rashad McCants’ excellent three-point shooting will help, it won’t be enough.

Outcome: Maryland wins

#3 Duke vs. #6 Virginia – Virginia has been one of the year’s biggest disappointments. The Cavaliers were picked to finish high in the conference but instead they find themselves below .500 and without an at-large NCAA Tournament bid. Things aren’t going to get any better because Duke presents a challenge Virginia just isn’t ready for. If freshman shooting-sensation J.J. Redick is on target and Dahntay Jones pumps up the team with a big dunk, Virginia may be buried in one of Duke’s infamous runs early on. Virginia’s MVP, Travis Watson, will be slowed down by Duke’s most improved player, Shelden Williams, on the inside. With their top scorer hindered, Virginia will be going home early.

Outcome: Duke wins

#4 NC State vs. #5 Georgia Tech – The Wolf Pack finished off their regular season with a win at Clemson sandwiched between to crushing home defeats against two of the ACC’s top three teams. NC State is the definition of team with a season on the brink. Had the team won just one of the two close games it lost against Maryland and Wake Forest, NC State would have had a very good shot at an NCAA at-large bid. As things now stand, the Pack is in serious danger of missing the tournament and most likely need to win the ACC Tournament to get the automatic bid or not go to the big dance at all. That said, NC State, aided by its renewed sense of urgency should be able to take care of freshman star Chris Bosh and Georgia Tech. As long as Julius Hodge doesn’t have to carry the team on his back like he has some nights, the Wolf Pack’s superior offense and defense, both statistically in the top half of the league, should seal the deal.

Outcome: NC State wins
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Well, that's all I've got. I need to get some sleep. I've been sick and I'm missing school again. Oh darn.


> KC 1:52 AM [90573091]
>