ACC Basketball: 2021 Conference Tournament preview and predictions
First Round Predictions
No. 10 Duke vs No. 15 Boston College
Boston College has gone through multiple pauses, fired its head coach, and saw one of their top players Wynston Tabbs enter the transfer portal. They physically may be in this tournament but mentally their season has been long done. Unless they’re motivated by ended Duke’s season themselves, I doubt the Eagles will prevent a blowout from happening.
Prediction: Duke 87, Boston College 65
No. 11 Notre Dame vs No. 14 Wake Forest
The Demon Deacons had a competitive start in ACC play but ended the season on a seven-game losing streak and were getting blown out in the process. They’re not in the same situation as Boston College but compared to a Notre Dame squad playing some of its best basketball of the season, Wake Forest won’t be long for this event.
Prediction: Notre Dame 86, Wake Forest 72
No. 12 Pittsburgh vs No. 13 Miami
It’s the battle of roster upheaval, as Pittsburgh recently lost both Xavier Johnson and Au’Diese Toney to the transfer portal, while Miami has been without several key pieces this season due to injuries. It’ll come down to Justin Champagnie of the Panthers vs Isaiah Wong of the Hurricanes, with both possibly going for 30. Whichever supporting cast steps up with get the win. Pitt is a little more healthy right now, which should give them a slight edge.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 58, Miami 56
Second Round
No. 5 Clemson vs No. 12 Pittsburgh
The Tigers aren’t a great scoring team which should be of benefit for a Panthers team now wihtout a lot of previous offensive production. However, Clemson just dominated Pittsburgh by 15 points just a few days ago. Unless something changes, expect more of the same.
Prediction: Clemson 70, Pittsburgh 52
No. 6 North Carolina vs No. 11 Notre Dame
It was just a one-point game when these teams met earlier in the season, led by 25 points each from Nate Laszewski of the Irish and Day’Ron Sharpe of UNC. Notre Dame has been playing well and has the size to compete with the Tar Heels. But their defense, or lack thereof, could allow the opposing perimeter to make some shots to get the win.
Prediction: North Carolina 81, Notre Dame 78
No. 7 Louisville vs No. 10 Duke
Duke lost both regular season matchups to the Caridnals but both were one-possesion games in the final minutes, including the last one that went to overtime. Hurt will need much more help this time around, but I’m betting that a desperate Blue Devil squad will want this more than Louisville, giving them another day to fight.
Prediction: Duke 74, Louisville 65
No. 8 Syracuse vs No. 9 NC State
An ultimate elimination game for these teams, expect a lot of scoring and a close fight overall. The Orange is more healthy, while the Wolfpack has been up and down all season. Coach Boeheim should have one more trick up his sleeve to keep the Orange alive.