Syracuse (+3.5) vs Pitt
This is a “bubble game” in every sense of the word. Both teams are in Lundardi’s projected bracket but the Orange is considered one of the last four in. Pitt has two wins over Syracuse both by double digits and the Cuse have lost 4 or their last 5 coming into the game. It will come down to how well Syracuse shoots the three. They shoot it well, this is a last possession type of game, if not, Pitt wins easily.
Syracuse +3.5
NC State (+8.5) vs Duke
Duke has two wins over NC State this season. The first game they won by 10 and the second game they won by 8 which makes the 8.5 point line so difficult. The Wolfpack escaped with a win over Wake yesterday but were less than impressive and would need to be better on both ends if they want to beat Duke. The line is high considering some of the struggles Duke has had with defense and depth of late but they cover because it’s March and they have Coach K.
Duke -8.5
Georgia Tech (+1) vs Clemson
These two split their regular season match ups with each winning at home. This is a true pick em game and the line reflects it. So you there is no reason to consider who will cover it’s all about who will win and these two teams are going in opposite directions. The Yellow Jackets come in having won 5 out of their last 6 with their only loss being a 3 point loss at Louisville. The Tigers have lost 3 of their last 4.
Georgia Tech +1
Florida St. (-2.5) vs Virginia Tech
Florida St is the only lower seed that sits as a favorite. The Seminoles had an easy win over Boston College last night and face a Hokie team that has been much better in the second half of the year. Virginia Tech has won 5 in a row including a 10 point home win against the Noles. The siren goes off when you see that Virginia Tech’s resurgence has come on their home floor with two road wins against Wake and BC. The momentum Florida St. has with their own 3 game winning streak should carry over today.
Florida St. -2.5
Follow Marcus “Mook” Washington on Twitter at @mtcwithmook