The ACC Tournament begins today with three matchups that most people won’t give a second look to when passing it on their TV screens.  While the big boys of arguable the best conference in college basketball are waiting for their matchups to develop, we think there is not only some entertainment value today but also some betting value.  Let’s break it down.

12- Boston College (-3) vs. 13-Georgia Tech

This game stood out to me right away.  Two teams without much to play for.  Boston College opens as the early favorite in this one, gaining a point over night.  The fact is that while Boston College is the closer of the two teams to the bubble, neither will most likely make the tournament unless they win out.

My early lean was on Georgia Tech, the better defensive team, but as I dug deeper the numbers don’t seem to match my gut reaction. Boston College won the only matchup between the two teams in a game that took place in early February.  The three headed attacks of guards, Ky Bowman, Jordan Chatman and surprising leading ACC scorer Jerome Robison all put up 17+ points.  At 6-foot-6 Robison causes real mismatches for Georgia Tech, his ability to score as well as facility should allow the Eagles to score at will.

If Georgia Tech cannot make the stops needed on defense, they will be forced to rely on what was one of the worst offenses in the nation.  The Yellow Jackets are riding a modest two game win streak into this matchup, but I think the dynamic guard play of Jerome Robison and leadership of Ky Bowman is to much for Georgia Tech.

Boston College -3

10- Notre Dame (-17) vs. 15-Pittsburgh

There really isn’t much to say about this matchup.  Notre Dame is a dangerous team with Bonzie Colson back and Pittsburgh’s team and fanbase want to forget this season ever happened.

Pittsburgh has not won a game in the ACC, their is no reason to think they will win this one.  The Fighting Irish are favored by 17,  normally in an ACC game I would say that is to much but in this one I am taking it.

Notre Dame -17

11- Syracuse (-5) vs 14-Wake Forest

It’s March that means three things, the weather is getting better, day light savings time and Syracuse being on the bubble.  The Orange enter a matchup with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons today in a must win situation.

Syracuse’s main issue today will be containing sharp shooter Byrant Crawford. Crawford has lit up the Syracuse press in both meetings this year averaging 21.5PPG in the two previous meetings. If Wake Forest comes out firing in the first half the Orange will have to make an adjustment defensively.

Tyus Battle will have to carry the load offensively for the Orange as he did int he previus matchup with Wake Forest scoring 34 points.  Battle will must penetrate the Demon Deacon defense and make good decisions.  If Syracuse settles for 3-pointers they may find them selves in the NIT next week.

These two teams split the season series, both winning on their home courts. This tournament being in the Barclay’s Center should make it a pro-Syracuse crowd.  The Orange have a lot more to play for tonight an as we saw last night in the BYU vs. St. Mary’s game that can make a huge difference.

Syracuse -5