Malcolm X-Factor

As the majority of the conference tournaments are underway, the ACC teams have yet to clash.  The conference plays host to as many bubble teams as any other conference in Virginia Tech, Clemson, and Boston College.  Will all three teams make the big dance? Nope.

Virginia Tech has faced adversity all year with injuries to many of its role players, including senior guard Dorenzo Hudson.  However, Erick Green has filled in nicely for Hudson and is a budding star for the Hokies.  They been led through the season with senior play from Malcolm Delaney and Jeff Allen, who are both capable of taking over a game.  On February 26th the Hokies knocked off Duke the number one team in the nation and many quickly assumed the Hokies were a lock for the NCAA tournament.  Then they quickly played themselves on to the bubble by losing to the two waivering ACC contenders, Boston College and Clemson.  Virginia Tech faces a must win game in the first round against Georgia Tech, a team they split the series with during the season.  After that game a tight loss to the Florida State Seminoles could still allow the Hokies an NCAA birth, but a win against the Seminoles would likely secure their spot.

The other half of the bracket poses an interesting potential match-up.  Assuming the Boston College Eagles defeat the conference worst, Wake Forest Demon Deacons, look for a second round match-up between Boston College and the Clemson Tigers.  Could this be an NCAA tournament elimination game for the two teams?  After this game, the only way I see them both getting in would be if Boston College won a close game and Virginia Tech doesn't show up in the tournament.  Clemson won the only game between the two this season despite a strong showing from the Eagle's star Reggie Jackson.

Stars shine the brightest in the spotlight, and I like Reggie Jackson and Boston College to take down Clemson and send them home for the season.  Virginia Tech will have to rely on their stars the most to prove to the committee that they are worth a spot among the 68 tournament teams.  With strong guard play Virginia Tech will take down Georgia Tech, followed by Florida State, punching their ticket to March Madness.  Then Duke will have it's shot at redemption against the Hokies, and with the way Nolan Smith shut down Delaney last game, the Hokies will have their hands full.  Duke should win the ACC tournament, but I like the Hokies as the wildcard with their x-factor, Malcolm Delaney.