ACC Basketball: 2024 conference tournament preview and predictions

Predictions

First Round

#12 Notre Dame vs. #13 Georgia Tech (March 12, 2:00pm)

These teams each ended the season playing better basketball, though that stretch that did include Notre Dame securing a season sweep over Georgia Tech. Still, the Yellow Jackets have been playing better offensive ball since then and we’ll give them an edge. It’s hard to beat a team three times in one season after all.

Notre Dame wins

#10 NC State vs. #15 Louisville (March 12, 4:30pm)

While it’s true that the Wolfpack lost their last four games of the regular season, it’s hard to see the momentum mattering against this Louisville squad. The Cardinals have been dreadful for a second straight season, losing each of their last seven games. NC State won the game in Louisville two months ago and get the job again in our nation’s capital.

NC State wins

#11 Boston College vs. #14 Miami (March 12, 7:00pm)

Miami has really fallen off after last season’s surprise trip to the Final Four. They’ve even been swept by this Boston College squad, losing at home less than a week ago. The Eagles have played better recently, but we’re expecting the Hurricanes to put up more of a fight. There’s a slight edge for Boston College, but we’re leaning towards Miami showing up and getting the job done.

Miami wins

Second Round

#8 Virginia Tech vs. #9 Florida State (March 13, 12:00pm)

Virginia Tech got some great wins early in the season but have had streaks of poor play during their conference schedule. Still, they’ve played much better the last couple weeks of the season and did split the season series with these Seminoles. Florida State has had all kinds of issues this season, especially on defense, and we’re leaning towards the Hokies keeping their own hopes alive.

Virginia Tech wins

#5 Wake Forest vs. #13 Georgia Tech (March 13, 2:30pm)

When Wake Forest beat Pittsburgh and Duke three weeks ago, they looked like a shoo in for the Big Dance. The last few weeks were dreadful, including a home loss to Georgia Tech. Yes the Yellow Jackets have been playing better and have upset potential, but a loss by the Demon Deacons will be the end of their Tournament hopes. They’ll show up and avenge last week’s defeat.

Wake Forest wins

#7 Syracuse vs. #10 NC State (March 13, 7:00pm)

Can the Orange get a third win over the Wolfpack after beating them twice, most recently in Raleigh three weeks ago? NC State was a surprise Tournament team last season but need quite the run in Washington DC to get back to the Tourney field again. Syracuse ended the season playing much better basketball and we’re not expecting the Wolfpack to slow them down.

Syracuse wins

#6 Clemson vs. #14 Miami (March 13, 9:30pm)

After a brilliant start to their season Clemson came back down to the earth early on in ACC play. That included a 13-point loss at Miami shortly after New Year’s. There’s certainly talent on this Hurricanes squad, but they desperately miss some of last year’s stars and did get pummeled at Clemson back in February. Miami has potential here, especially with Norchad Omier still around, but expect Hall and the Tigers to advance.

Clemson wins