Carolina Blue - 2010 NIT Championship

#4 North Carolina (20-16) vs. #3 Dayton (24-12)

I haven't written much about North Carolina this year, because, quite frankly, there hasn't been much to say. They sucked for most of the season and after losing to Georgia Tech in the ACC Tournament, I was hoping that meant this awful season was ending. Instead, the Heels got a #4 seed in the NIT Tournament. I was thinking Carolina might win their home game against William & Mary but beyond that was expecting a quick exit. Instead Carolina reeled off back to back impressive road wins at Mississippi State and UAB to book a trip to Madison Square Garden. Then on Tuesday night, in the Semi-Finals, Carolina came from five points behind late to send the game to overtime against Rhode Island. The Heels were able to just barely outlast the Rams in overtime, winning 68-67.

Of course making the NIT Championship is bittersweet for the program and its fans. Carolina plays to win National Championships, not NIT Championships. However, I have to admit I have been just as passionate about these games as I would have been any NCAA Tournament games for Carolina. At least now the team can have a somewhat decent feeling going into next season, and the thoughts of a quick turnaround for Carolina don't seem so crazy.

The Heels will try to make an interesting bit of history. If they defeat the Dayton Flyers they would become the first team to ever win a National Championship and then an NIT Championship in back-to-back seasons. The Heels will definitely be tested by the Flyers. To get to the NIT Championship game, Dayton won at home against Illinois State, then won road games at Cincinnati and Illinois, before defeating Mississippi at the Garden. Their most prominent player is F Chris Wright, who is a bit of a YouTube sensation for his powerful dunks. G-F Chris Johnson doesn't have the name recognition of Wright but he was huge in the Semi-Final win against Mississippi. He finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 4 steals.

The Flyers can play suffocating defense and if they force the Heels to make a lot of turnovers then they will likely be cutting down the nets. The Heels have always had trouble avoiding turnovers, even during their dominant seasons under Roy Williams. Larry Drew III will have to make good passes and try to control the tempo. As much as I have railed on Drew, he has played very well during the NIT Tournament. Seniors Deon Thompson and Marcus Ginyard will have to continue to provide the leadership, while Will Graves, and Tyler Zeller will need to continue their improved offensive play. The Heels will be looking for F John Henson to have a much better game than he did against Rhode Island. Another key will be the Tar Heels defense. Carolina has played exceptional defense in the last two games. They can't allow Dayton get to their average of 70 points and expect to be able to win.

I won't be buying any NIT Championship shirts if the Heels are victorious but it would be an accomplishment I think the team should be proud of. I expect another tough game for Carolina, but much like they did Tuesday night, they will somehow find a way to win late.

Prediction: North Carolina 64, Dayton 60

March Madness 2010 (Midwest and South Regions) - Sweet 16 and Elite 8

The Sweet 16 continues Friday night and features more Cinderella's and a couple of teams used to being at this stage. Northern Iowa took out my pick to win it all, Kansas and ruined brackets across the country. St. Mary's or Team Australia knocked off Villanova, while Baylor and Purdue surprised many by getting to this point. Duke, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Tennessee have gotten this far often over the years and will be looking to meet their fans expectations of reaching a Final Four.

Midwest Regional Semi-Final

#6 Tennessee (27-8) vs. #2 Ohio State (29-7)

These teams met in the 2007 Sweet 16 where the Vols had a huge lead before collapsing late to the Buckeyes. Both teams can have many different weapons that have to be accounted for. For Ohio State, it starts with G-F Evan Turner, and continues with guards William Buford and Jon Diebler, as well as G-F David Lighty. Lighty was there for that 2007 battle, as was Vols F-C Wayne Chism.

The Vols counter with Chism, G Scotty Hopson, and guards J.P. Prince, and Bobby Maze. Tennessee and Ohio State are about equal offensively, but the Buckeyes have a slight edge defensively. Turner played alright last weekend but will need to limit his turnovers for the Buckeyes to have hopes of making it to Indianapolis.

This game will be a lot like the 2007 battle and should come down right to the finish. I think Turner is a superstar and will make big plays at the end of the game, carrying Ohio State to victory.

Prediction: Ohio State 70, Tennessee 66

South Regional Semi-Final

#10 St. Mary's (28-5) vs. #3 Baylor (27-7)

Gaels C Omar Samhan became a household name last weekend with his dominating performances against Richmond and Villanova. Another force inside for the Gaels is F-C Ben Allen. The Gaels just don't have bigs though, they have a lethal guard combination in Mickey McConnell, and Matthew Dellavedova.

The battle to watch will be Samhan against Bears F-C Ekpe Udoh. If Udoh can limit Samhan than the Bears will have a great shot at winning. Like the Gaels, Baylor has fantastic guards as well. LaceDarius Dunn and Tweety Carter (great names), are fantastic at scoring, dishing, and in Dunn's case even rebounding.

I am very tempted to take the Gaels in this one and probably would if I hadn't already picked Baylor in one of my brackets to make the Final Four. I don't think Samhan will be shut down but I think the Bears have the slight advantage in guard play, which will be enough to get the victory.

Prediction: Baylor 77, St. Mary's 71

Midwest Regional Semi-Final

#9 Northern Iowa (30-4) vs. #5 Michigan State (26-8)

G Ali Farokhmanesh is the Panthers fourth-leading scorer, but after hitting game winning baskets to beat UNLV and Kansas, he is now their most famous player. The Panthers best player is C Jordan Eglseder, who led the Panthers in scoring and rebounding. Guard Kwadzo Ahelegbe is the Panthers leading assist man and also averages a little over 10 points a game.

The big story for the Spartans will be how they will respond to playing a full game without G Kalin Lucas. They also have another injured guard in Chris Allen, and it is not known how much he will play in this game.

The Spartans showed great resolve in overcoming these injuries to defeat Maryland on Sunday. However, I think a full game without Lucas will be too much for the Spartans to overcome against the Panthers. I like the Panthers to continue their Cinderella march to the Elite Eight.

Prediction: Northern Iowa 66, Michigan State 63

South Regional Semi-Final

#4 Purdue (29-5) vs. #1 Duke (31-5)

Once the Boilermakers lost Robbie Hummel for the season any thoughts of a Final Four seemed dashed. That seemed even more true when against Minnesota in the Big Ten Tournament they were held to 11 points in the first half.

However, Purdue showed great resilience last weekend, getting by Sienna and a very good Texas A & M team. G E'Twaun Moore and C JaJuan Johnson will have to play at an extremely high level for the Boilermakers to have a chance against Duke.

The Blue Devils looked very good in the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament. The biggest difference between this year's Blue Devils and last years is the emergence of Greg Zoubek. Zoubek will be challenged by Johnson and his effectiveness will likely be limited. However, Duke can overwhelm the Boilermakers with Jon Scheyer, Kyle Singler, and the usually overlooked Nolan Smith. I just think the Boilermakers can't score enough to keep up with Duke.

Prediction: Duke 75, Purdue 63

On Sunday, I like Ohio State to end Northern Iowa's dream season in the Midwest Regional Final. In the other game, I like Baylor to upset Duke, and advance to their first Final Four since 1950.

March Madness 2010 (East and West Regions) - Sweet 16 and Elite 8

What an incredible start to the 2010 NCAA Tournament. There were upsets and buzzer beaters galore, everything a college basketball fan could want. It will be tough for the second weekend of the tournament to live up to the first, but the potential is definitely there. The Sweet 16 tips off in Salt Lake City, and Syracuse.

West Regional Semi-Final

#5 Butler (30-4) vs. #1 Syracuse (30-4)

The Orange have been one of the most impressive teams in the tournament thus far, blitzing Vermont and Gonzaga. Butler hasn't lost since December 22nd, winning 22 games in a row in the process. They crushed UTEP in the first round and survived a scare from Cinderella Murray State in the second round.

Syracuse is likely to be without F Arinze Onuaku for this game, but that didn't seem to phase them much in the first weekend. F Wes Johnson had a fantastic game against Gonzaga and will make the Orange almost impossible to beat if he keeps playing at such a high level. G Andy Rautins was on fire from beyond the arc and will have to be accounted for by the Bulldogs.

Butler will try to slow down Syracuse's fast tempo offense, and limit their opportunities. Butler gave up just 59.8 points per game this year, and neither UTEP or Murray State were able to break the 60 point mark when playing them. The Bulldogs best player is G-F Gordon Hayward, but it was G Shelvin Mack that really carried the Bulldogs in the first weekend.

Butler will not be intimidated by Syracuse and can hang with the Orange. However, Syracuse has way more talent and that will win out in the end.

Prediction: Syracuse 73, Butler 65

East Regional Semi-Final

#11 Washington (26-9) vs. #2 West Virginia (29-6)

The Huskies have won 9 games in a row and have restored some respect back to the Pac-10 by making it to the Sweet 16. The Mountaineers are just as hot, winners of 8 in a row, but trouble is looming for them. They lost starting guard Darryl Bryant for the rest of the season to a broken foot he suffered in practice. Luckily for the Mountaineers they have depth at that position, and should be able to seamlessly slide in Joe Mazzulla to the starting lineup.

The big names for the Mountaineers are Mr. Clutch, Da'Sean Butler and Devin Ebanks. The Huskies counter with F Quincy Pondexter and G Isaiah Thomas. The big question in this game will be what will win out? West Virginia's bruising, physical style of play, or the Huskies fast-paced run and gun type of play.

I think Washington is peaking at the right time and will hang around in this game. However, I feel like West Virginia has been undervalued for most of the season and is right up there with the elite of college basketball. They will punch their ticket to the Elite 8.

Prediction: West Virginia 72, Washington 68

West Regional Semi-Final

#6 Xavier (26-8) vs. #2 Kansas State (28-7)

Xavier has been one of the most consistent programs in the country over the last couple of seasons. They go through coaches like crazy but keep finding ways to still be playing in the second weekend of the tournament. Kansas State has remained under the radar for most of the year but thanks to tremendous guard play from Jacob Pullen and Denis Clemente they are definite national title contenders.

The Musketeers most well known player is G Jordan Crawford, who famously dunked on LeBron James over the summer. His back court mate Terrell Holloway can't be overlooked, so the battle between the Musketeers guards and the Wildcats guards will be the main storyline for this game.

The Wildcats have some bangers on the inside as well. Forwards Jamar Samuels and Curtis Kelly will likely give Xavier fits. They both can score, rebound, and play tremendous defense.

These teams are almost identical in points per game and points allowed per game. This might be the best game of Thursday night, although it is likely to get overshadowed by Cornell/Kentucky. I expect a close game, with the Wildcats guards making enough plays late to carry them to the Elite 8.

Prediction: Kansas State 75, Xavier 72

East Regional Semi-Final

#12 Cornell (29-4) vs. #1 Kentucky (34-2)

This will be the game that will have most of America's attention on Thursday night. The ultimate underdog Cornell against big, bad Kentucky. The more I think about this game the more it is reminding me of when George Mason took on UCONN in the Elite 8 in 2006. Like Mason, Cornell will be playing close to home and could have a slight home-court edge. Also, like that Mason/UCONN game Cornell could probably beat Kentucky one time in one hundred games, and that one time may be Thursday night.

Cornell has been shooting lights out thus far, and that led them to rout both Temple and Wisconsin. Senior Ryan Wittman is their best player and like most of his teammates a great shooter, shooting 47% on the season. Cornell also has a big man who can play, in C Jeff Foote.

The Wildcats are led by their three fantastic freshman, John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe, and their one veteran, Patrick Patterson. I think people have gotten a little too excited over Kentucky. They did crush their first two opponents but East Tennessee State and Wake Forest aren't exactly a murderer's row.

This should be a fascinating game to watch. Cornell's only chance will be if they can continue to stay hot shooting wise. I think the crowd will be a major factor, and at some point Kentucky's inexperience will cause them problems. However, I just think Kentucky has too much talent to lose to Cornell.

Prediction: Kentucky 75, Cornell 67

Saturday, I see the guard tandem of the Wildcats leading them past the Orange and putting them in the Final Four for the first time since 1964. In the East Regional Final, I think the young Cats will get coach John Calipari to another Final Four, when they defeat West Virginia. It remains to be seen whether this Final Four will actually stay on Coach Cal's record.

March Madness 2010 - West Region

The West Region is the most boring region in the NCAA Tournament. No team really pops out to me, except of course, the #1 seed Syracuse Orange. The Orange were a huge surprise this season, winning the Big East regular season crown by 2 games. However, they enter the NCAA Tournament on a 2-game losing streak and will likely be without F Arinze Onuaku for at least the first weekend of the tournament. Even without him I think the Orange will be fine to make it through this weekend.

Best Game

#4 Vanderbilt vs. #13 Murray State

Probably seems like an odd choice but Murray State and their 30-4 record can't be overlooked. Sure, they didn't really play anyone good to amass such an impressive record but they score a lot of points. The Commodores also score a lot of points, but give up close to 70 a game. This one could reach the 80 or 90 point mark.

Player to Watch

Syracuse forward Wes Johnson

Johnson has been talked about as a National Player of the Year with the likes of Turner and Wall. Johnson averaged 16 points per game and is even a threat from outside, hitting 40% of his three point shots. He will have to shoulder more of the load with Onuaku out but that shouldn't be a problem.

Lowest Seed to Make It Through the Weekend

#13 Murray State

I like Murray State to upset Vanderbilt in a shootout, then take out #12 seed UTEP in a battle of Cinderellas. Amazingly enough the Racers have five players that average 10 points a game, and that leads the team! They can beat you from all parts of the court, and are a team to watch out for.

Best Potential Game

#10 Florida vs. #2 Kansas State

This region is devoid of any real exciting games, so this one kind of wins by default. The Gators are back in the NCAA Tournament after a two-year absence, while the Wildcats were in contention for a one seed just a few weeks ago. Florida has sharpshooter Chandler Parsons, while the Wildcats have exceptional guards in Jacob Pullen and Denis Clemente.

Predictions

First Round

#1 Syracuse over #16 Vermont

#9 Florida State over #8 Gonzaga

#12 UTEP over #5 Butler

#13 Murray State over #4 Vanderbilt

#6 Xavier over #11 Minnesota

#3 Pittsburgh over #14 Oakland

#10 Florida over #7 BYU

#2 Kansas State over #15 North Texas

Second Round

#1 Syracuse over #9 Florida State

#13 Murray State over #12 UTEP

#6 Xavier over #3 Pittsburgh

#2 Kansas State over #10 Florida

March Madness 2010 - Midwest Region

My pick to win it all in 2010, the Kansas Jayhawks, highlight the Midwest Region. The Midwest is considered to be by far the toughest region in the NCAA Tournament. Along with Kansas are #2 seed Ohio State and stud Evan Turner, #3 Georgetown, perhaps the most schizophrenic team in college basketball, co-ACC regular season champs, #4 seed Maryland, last year's championship runner up #5 Michigan State, and #6 seed Tennessee, which defeated two #1 teams this season. Despite all of that, I have felt the Jayhawks were the best team since December, and am riding them to winning their second championship in three seasons.

Best Game

#6 Tennessee vs. #11 San Diego State

These teams have a similar makeup. They are both solid teams that aren't led by one superstar, but a complement of good players. No player averaged more than 12.5 points this season for Tennessee. Their most recognizable player is probably F-C Wayne Chism, who has seemingly been in school forever. The Aztecs leading scorer is F Kawhi Leonard, who averaged just 12.8 points per game. If you like old-school team basketball, you will love this game.

Player to Watch

Ohio State guard-forward Evan Turner

Evan Turner is considered by many to be the best player in the country, even better than Kentucky's John Wall. Turner averaged 20.5 ppg, and also grabbed 9.2 rpg, and doled out 5.9 apg. If the Buckeyes are able to make a run to the Final Four, it will be on Turner's back.

Lowest Seed to Make It Through the Weekend

#4 Maryland

Since this region is so filled with exceptional teams I don't expect many upsets. I like the top four seeds to make it through unscathed this weekend. Maryland will get some trouble from Houston, and could face Michigan State in an exceptional Second Round game.

Best Potential Game

#3 Georgetown vs. #6 Tennessee

There are many potentially great games in the Midwest but this one would be the best. Both teams have amassed impressive wins, and also befuddling losses. This game would be incredibly physical and highly entertaining.

Predictions

First Round

#1 Kansas over #16 Lehigh

#8 UNLV over #9 Northern Iowa

#5 Michigan State over #12 New Mexico State

#4 Maryland over #13 Houston

#6 Tennessee over #11 San Diego State

#3 Georgetown over #14 Ohio

#10 Georgia Tech over #7 Oklahoma State

#2 Ohio State over #15 UCSB

Second Round

#1 Kansas over #8 UNLV

#4 Maryland over #5 Michigan State

#3 Georgetown over #6 Tennessee

#2 Ohio State over #10 Georgia Tech

March Madness 2010 - South Region

People feel that this region has been gift wrapped for #1 seed Duke. They get a reeling #2 seed in Villanova, and a #4 Purdue team without its best player Robbie Hummel. I think one thing people are overlooking is the potential for Duke to have to play Texas A&M and Baylor in Houston. Plus, let's not forget, the Devils recent tournament history is quite sad.

Best Game

#6 Notre Dame vs. #11 Old Dominion

It will be the battle of the big men when the Irish's Luke Harangody matches up with the Monarchs Gerald Lee. The Irish are on a roll heading into the tournament but will have their hands full against a very good defensive team in Old Dominion. I will be very surprised if this game doesn't come down to the final seconds.

Player to Watch

Villanova guard Scottie Reynolds

This will be Reynolds last chance to get the Wildcats over the hump. The Wildcats are really struggling heading into their tournament and many are questioning their validity as a #2 seed. However, if Reynolds can get hot the Wildcats can compete with anyone.

Lowest Seed to Make It Through the Weekend

#9 Louisville

I think the Cardinals are a potential nightmare matchup for Duke. Duke does have some more size with the emergence of Brian Zoubek but they still don't seem like a team that can win when it really counts.

Best Potential Game

#3 Baylor vs. #6 Notre Dame

Two teams from the best conferences in basketball this year could have a great second round game. The Bears have an electric guard in LaceDarius Dunn and Ekpe Udoh and Harnagody would be a battle of impressive big men.

Predictions

First Round

#1 Duke over #16 Arkansas-Pine Bluff

#9 Louisville over #8 California

#5 Texas A&M over #12 Utah State

#4 Purdue over #13 Siena

#6 Notre Dame over #11 Old Dominion

#3 Baylor over #14 Sam Houston State

#7 Richmond over #10 Saint Mary's

#2 Villanova over #15 Robert Morris

Second Round

#9 Louisville over #1 Duke

#5 Texas A&M over #4 Purdue

#3 Baylor over #6 Notre Dame

#7 Richmond over #2 Villanova

March Madness 2010 - East Region

The East Region is a relatively weak region and is headlined by the #1 seed Kentucky Wildcats. The other heavyweight in the East is #2 seed West Virginia. There is the potential for a second round game featuring two teams that were ranked #1 this year. That will happen if Texas can beat Wake Forest in a battle between horribly struggling teams.

Best Game

#8 Texas vs. #9 Wake Forest

This game is the best game in the East because no one has any idea which of these teams will show up. Both have looked fantastic at times, but most recently have looked downright awful. It will be fun watching Texas' Damion James and the Demon Deacons Al-Farouq Aminu.

Player to Watch

Kentucky guard John Wall

Some have tried to denigrate Wall but watching him play I am almost in awe. He has an aura about him, the confidence and the leadership that will make him an NBA star someday. Some are against the age rule in the NBA but I enjoy seeing some of these guys dominate college that otherwise wouldn't have gone.

Lowest Seed to Make It Through the Weekend

#12 Cornell

Cornell has had me sold ever since they almost beat Kansas on the road. I think they got a great draw with Temple and then potentially Wisconsin. I like the Big Red to make it to the Sweet 16.

Best Potential Game

#1 Kentucky vs. #8 Texas

It would be my guess that if this game happens it would be the first time in NCAA Tournament history that two teams ranked #1 met this early in the tournament. This will either be a Kentucky blowout, or Texas will play to its potential and give the Wildcats a scare. Will be a lot of star power on the floor if this one happens.

Predictions

First Round

#1 Kentucky over #16 East Tennessee State

#8 Texas over #9 Wake Forest

#12 Cornell over #5 Temple

#4 Wisconsin over #13 Wofford

#6 Marquette over #11 Washington

#14 Montana over #3 New Mexico

#10 Missouri over #7 Clemson

#2 West Virginia over #15 Morgan State

Second Round

#1 Kentucky over #8 Texas

#12 Cornell over #4 Wisconsin

#6 Marquette over #14 Montana

#2 West Virginia over #10 Missouri

2010 ACC Tournament Preview

The ACC Tournament is one of the most anticipated conference tournaments in college basketball. However, it has been a down season for the ACC. Only Duke is considered a true national title contender, and considering their recent NCAA Tournament history that thought is shaky at best. Only five teams truly have a chance to be left standing as champions of the ACC come Sunday. My favorite team, North Carolina, has zero chance, but that isn't going to stop me from talking about them.

#1 Duke (26-5, 13-3)

Ugh, what an awful ACC season it has been for me as a fan. Carolina was absolutely dreadful, and the two teams I hate most finished at the top of the ACC standings. The Blue Devils get most of their scoring from three players, G Jon Scheyer, G Nolan Smith, and F Kyle Singler. Where they have been much improved this season is rebounding. Singler averaged 6.8 rebounds per game, while C Brian Zoubek finally discovered after three and a half years that he was taller than almost everyone else. If Duke is hitting their shots at a 44% rate like they averaged this season they will easily take another ACC Tournament championship.

#2 Maryland (23-7, 13-3)

After a somewhat slow start to the season Maryland has been on a tear for the past two months. Led by ACC Player of the Year Greivis Vasquez the Twerps finished the ACC season undefeated at home and have won seven in a row. Maryland has a very strong starting five that includes F Landon Milbourne (12.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg), G Eric Hayes (11.0 ppg, 3.9 apg), G Sean Mosley (10.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.7 apg), and freshman stud Jordan Williams (9.3 ppg, 8.3 rpg). Maryland doesn't have a ton of depth, which is their biggest weakness.

#3 Florida State (22-8, 10-6)

The Seminoles surprised a lot of people by finishing third in conference. Last year's success was largely fueled by superstar Toney Douglas. This year it has been a complete team effort. Their leading scorer, C Solomon Alabi only averages 11.6 ppg. F Chris Singleton gives the Seminoles a little bit of everything. He scored 10.4 ppg, had 2.2 apg, 7.2 rpg, 1.5 blocks per game, and 2.3 steals per game. Unlike Maryland, depth is a strength for the Seminoles. Florida State also plays tremendous defense, holding opponents to 50 points or less 7 times this season.

#4 Virginia Tech (23-7, 10-6)

The Hokies aren't quite as good as their 23-7 record would indicate. They played one of the worst non-conference schedules in the country and despite their impressive record, were considered a bubble team before winning at Georgia Tech last Saturday. What can't be debated is how good their back court is. G Malcolm Delaney had a terrific season, averaging 20.0 ppg, along with 4.2 apg. His fellow G Dorenzo Hudson is no slouch either, averaging 14.4 ppg. F Jeff Allen can score and collects the boards for the Hokies, although his numbers are down from last season.

#6 Clemson (21-9, 9-7)

No Wake Forest, as I think they blow, mainly evidenced by the fact they couldn't beat the sorry Tar Heels at home. The Tigers are my sleeper team for the ACC Tournament. They have a pretty favorable draw, as they would meet Florida State in the Quarter-Finals, a team they already have defeated twice this season. The Tigers best player is senior F Trevor Booker. The Tigers can go 10 deep and are a very effective offensive team, averaging 73.8 points per game. They are a very good passing team, as Booker, G Demontez Stitt, G Andre Young, and G Tanner Smith all are good at finding the open teammate. The Tigers have always been classic underachievers, so I am taking a risk putting my faith in them, but what fun would it be to pick all chalk?

#10 North Carolina (16-15, 5-11)

Just a complete nightmare of a season for the defending NCAA Champions. With the Tar Heels losing so much I didn't expect another championship, but I certainly thought they could be at least a 6 or 7 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The season even started decent enough with wins over Ohio State and Michigan State. Then they suffered a loss to Charleston and it was all downhill from there. The Heels had no chemistry, no leader, and apparently no coach, as Roy Williams had no answers. That all being said, The Heels are capable of beating a vastly overrated Georgia Tech team in the First Round. People keep making excuse after excuse for the Yellow Jackets, but the fact of the matter is, they aren't very good. I think the Heels can get an inspired performance from senior Deon Thompson, and hell maybe even Larry Drew II can pretend to be a competent point guard. Reality will hit the Heels when they play Maryland in the Quarter-Finals. People keep talking NIT but at 16-16 or even 17-16 I would be shocked if the Heels qualify.

Below you will find my prediction for Thursday's First Round games and then my predictions for the games I think will happen the rest of the way.

First Round

#8 Boston College over #9 Virginia
#12 Miami over #5 Wake Forest
#10 North Carolina over #7 Georgia Tech
#6 Clemson over #11 North Carolina State

Quarter-Finals

#1 Duke over #8 Boston College
#4 Virginia Tech over #12 Miami
#2 Maryland over #10 North Carolina
#6 Clemson over #3 Florida State

Semi-Finals

#1 Duke over #4 Virginia Tech
#6 Clemson over #2 Maryland

Finals

#1 Duke over #6 Clemson

Duke has mostly dominated the ACC Tournament for the last decade, and will continue that string this year. As stated above I like Clemson to make a surprise run, reaching the Championship game. I expect them to get blown out by Duke in the Finals and the Blue Devils will secure a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Ugh.

2010 CAA Tournament Preview

The 2010 CAA Tournament tips off Friday in Richmond, VA. #1 seed Old Dominion comes in as the favorite to cut down the nets and book their ticket to March Madness. However, there are five other teams that definitely have a shot at leaving as champion.

#1 Old Dominion (23-8, 15-3)

The Monarchs dominated the CAA standings for most of the season. They also are the only CAA team that could possibly earn an at-large berth if they don't win the conference tournament. The Monarchs are led by senior F Gerald Lee. Lee is the only player on the team to average double figures in points this year for ODU at 14.3 a game. Surprisingly, Lee was third on the Monarchs in rebounding this season, behind F Frank Hassell's 6.5 per game, and G-F Ben Finney's 5.8 per game. Finney is also the Monarchs main distributor and thrives off setting up chances for Lee to finish. ODU is a very good defensive team and it will take a team playing at their absolute peak for the Monarchs to lose.

#2 Northeastern (19-11, 14-4)

Senior Matt Janning is looking to go out in style and avoid another underachieving trip to Richmond. Last year the Huskies were stunned by Towson in their opening round game. The potential for them to bow out early again this year is there. They enter the CAA Tournament losers of three of their last five, and barely defeated George Mason on Saturday, largely because of a bogus foul call to end the game. They also might have to play Hofstra on Saturday. Janning leads the team averaging 15.1 points per game, but the Huskies also get scoring from G Chaisson Allen, F Manny Adako, and C Nkem Ojougboh.

#3 William & Mary (20-9, 12-6)

In the 2008 CAA Tournament, the Tribe were the Cinderella team that shocked everyone by getting to the championship game. They won't be sneaking up on anyone this year. The Tribe were garnering possible at-large talk earlier this year, and while that talk has died, the Tribe have the guns to win the Tournament and not have to worry about Selection Sunday. Senior G David Schneider is their best player, scoring 15.8 points per game, getting 1.4 steals per game, and also picking up over 6 rebounds a game. Sophomore G-F Quinn McDowell is another threat, while F Marcus Kitts is their most effective rebounder.

#4 George Mason (17-13, 12-6)

It is Tournament time, which over the last few seasons has meant it is the Patriots time to shine. Mason had made it to the CAA Championship game three straight seasons. However, the draw they got in this year's Tournament may prevent that from happening. Mason will more than likely have to play VCU on Saturday, and the Rams will basically have home-court advantage. Mason struggled mightily down the stretch, losing six of their last eight games. The Patriots have been wildly inconsistent this season, so no one knows what to expect out of them. G Cam Long has really regressed the last month, and for Mason to have any shot to make a run, he has to play well in every game. Not much was realistically expected of Mason this season, but another year, and another loss to VCU in the conference tournament will be a bitter pill to swallow.

#5 Virginia Commonwealth (20-8, 11-7)

The Rams are the sleeper of this year's tournament. They have the home-court advantage playing in Richmond, they have a dominant big man in C Larry Sanders, and a dangerous G, Joey Rodriguez. They also enter relatively hot, winning 7 of their last 10 games. G Bradford Burgess, and F Jamie Skeen also have to be dealt with. Rodriguez is almost impossible to stop when he is on, and if he and Sanders get hot, the Rams will pull off an upset or two.

#7 Hofstra (18-13, 10-8)

You might be wondering where #6 seed Drexel is, but to me Hofstra has a much greater chance of winning this weekend than Drexel. The Pride are the hottest team in the CAA, closing the regular season with wins in 9 of their last 10 games. Those wins haven't been close either with the Pride winning 8 of those games by double digits. I have no idea what Tom Pecora did to this team but they were dead in the water about a month ago. They had lost five in a row and were getting shellacked. G Charles Jenkins is probably the best player playing this weekend. He averages 20.4 points per game, doles out 3.8 assists, and grabs 4.4 rebounds per game. However, Jenkins has a ton of pressure on him, because if he struggles the Pride don't have much to fall back on.

Below you will find my prediction for Friday's First Round games and then my predictions for the games I think will happen the rest of the way.

First Round

#8 Towson over #9 UNC-Wilmington
#5 Virginia Commonwealth over #12 Delaware
#7 Hofstra over #10 Georgia State
#11 James Madison over #6 Drexel

Quarter-Finals

#1 Old Dominion over #8 Towson
#5 Virginia Commonwealth over #4 George Mason
#7 Hofstra over #2 Northeastern
#11 James Madison over #3 William & Mary

Semi-Finals

#1 Old Dominion over #5 Virginia Commonwealth
#7 Hofstra over #11 James Madison

Finals

#1 Old Dominion over #7 Hofstra

I think the veteran leadership on Old Dominion will carry them to the CAA Championship. Their Semi-Final game against VCU will be a great test for them. I like their to be a few upsets in the tournament. Hofstra would be catching Northeastern at the right time, while I think JMU can play that William & Mary, Towson role we have seen the last few years. The unexpected team that makes a run. I think by time Hofstra makes it to Monday night they will be dead tired and after hanging with the Monarchs most of the game, will fall late.