ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE
Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, North Carolina
March 10-14
VIRGINIA
Record: 28-2, 15-3
Odds to win Tournament +195 5 dimes sportsbook
Despite what some people think, Virginia will not relinquish its No. 1 seed no matter what happens in the ACC Tournament. The Cavaliers only have two losses on the year, one of them to Duke and the other at Louisville. At this point, they just want to be healthy for the big Tournament.
Justin Anderson could return for the Cavs, which would be a huge boost for the offense and give them an edge in the semis when they face either UNC or Louisville. As we’ve seen throughout the season, Virginia and Duke are the two best teams in the Conference and it’d be a surprise if they didn’t play each other in the championship.
DUKE
Record: 28-3, 15-3
Odds to win Tournament +135 5 dimes sportsbook
In the same boat as Virginia, the Blue Devils are a basic lock for a 1-seed in the NCAAs. Their non-Conference wins are great, and they won at Virginia among other solid ACC wins. If things play out as expected, Duke could see Notre Dame for a third time and the Blue Devils have the edge, considering they won the last matchup by 30 points.
However, Duke will get a decent test against NC State, as long as the Wolfpack get past Pittsburgh. Still, on an 11-Game winning streak, it wouldn’t be wise to bet against this team playing a Tournament only an hOur away from its campus.
NOTRE DAME
Record: 26-5, 14-4
Odds to win Tournament +700 5 dimes sportsbook
The Fighting Irish still aren’t a lock for a 3-seed, but a win in their first Game could get them there and a win over Duke would definitely get them there. After a couple sketchy losses in the last month (Pitt, Syracuse), Notre Dame’s buzz as a top team has kind of died down.
They don’t play great defense, don’t have depth and don’t have great size. But the Irish have 26 wins because of one of the best offenses in the country. If Jerian Grant is on his Game, this team can beat Duke. Otherwise, don’t expect more than a semifinal appearance from them.
LOUISVILLE
Record: 24-7, 12-6
Odds to win Tournament +725 5 dimes sportsbook
The Cardinals looked to be done about a month ago after back-to-back losses to NC State and Syracuse along with Chris Jones getting kicked off the team. Instead, they have won Four of their last five, including an impressive win against Virginia on Saturday. If Louisville can play their Game, there’s no telling where this team will go.
However, that doesn’t happen every Game. They will be a 4-seed unless they lose to North Carolina in their first Game, which is a real possibility. The two teams split during the regular season and the winner will likely face Virginia in the semis.
NORTH CAROLINA
Record: 21-10, 11-7
Odds to win Tournament +650 5 dimes sportsbook
The Tar Heels had a rough couple months to close out the season and could be set for a 5-seed unless they make a move in this Tournament. They have now lost six of their last 10 Games. Sure, Four of those are against some of the best teams in the country, but if they want to do anything this year, they need to beat those types of teams.
Another matchup with Louisville will be fun to watch with their two previous meetings coming down to the wire (UNC one-point win and LOU overtime win). It’s now or never for the Heels to make a move, but even if they get by the Cardinals, do they have it in them to take down Virginia?
MIAMI (FL)
Record: 20-11, 10-8
Odds to win Tournament +4200 5 dimes sportsbook
Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, winning their first ACC Tourney Game won’t be enough to get into the NCAAs. They may have to take down Notre Dame in the quarters for a seeding, a team they haven’t played yet. Miami closed the season with two straight road wins, but beating Notre Dame will be a little tougher. For an inconsistent team, they’ll need to show consistency if they want to be a part of March Madness.
NC STATE
Record: 19-12, 10-8
Odds to win Tournament +3000 5 dimes sportsbook
The Wolfpack have a worse ACC record than Miami, but their wins are better which is why they look like a lock for the Tourney. NC State should get by a struggling Pittsburgh, but have the unfortunate task of going against Duke in the next Game, although they did beat the Blue Devils in their only meeting this year. NC State is a tricky team that could surprise a lot of people if they are on their Game.
No one else in the ACC really has a chance in this Tournament or for the NCAA Tourney. Pittsburgh shot themselves in the foot losing three straight winnable Games to close out the regular season.
Virginia and Duke are the favorites for a reason. However, if both of them are looking too far ahead, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Louisville or Notre Dame upset either of the top seeds in the semifinals.