login | Register

Snowflakes: ACC Hoops

* Mike Krzyzewski got his 800th career win Saturday in a game that Duke trailed most of the way. The obvious question becomes: Can he get to 902-the record number of victories set by his mentor, Bob Knight? Coach K just turned 61 years old and became the third quickest coach to get to 800 wins. It will take 4 to 5 more seasons with no drop off in the program for Krzyzewski to catch Knight. It seems very doable at this point as long as he doesn’t run into any more health issues (cost him most of the ’95 season) or doesn’t use up too much energy coaching the USA national team. As far as this year’s squad, the comeback victory over N.C. State kept the Blue Devils tied with the hated Tar Heels for the ACC lead. As long as both teams take care of business this week, things are set up perfectly for this Saturday night’s big bash in Durham. The winner will take the usual bragging rights, the ACC crown, and a probable #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

* Terrence Oglesby’s dramatic three-pointer capped a huge comeback for Clemson as they won at Maryland on Sunday. The Tigers came back from 20 points down on the road and have now made sure that there will be no epic collapse like the end of last season. Clemson has won 4 of 5, and they are finally poised to make the Big Dance for the first time since 1998. Meanwhile, the Terrapins are limping to the finish line and need to be worried about playing their way out of the NCAA Tournament. Gary Williams’ bunch has lost 4 of the last 6 including crushing home defeats at the hands of Virginia Tech and Clemson. With 12 losses and only quality win (at UNC), Maryland must play well in the ACC Tournament, or they will be sweating it out on Selection Sunday.

* Wake Forest is another team that may be playing their way out of the NCAA Tournament. Just two weeks ago, the Demon Deacons beat Duke and stood at 16-8 overall. But after 3 straight defeats, they now have 11 total losses and stand at 6-8 in conference play. To still have a shot at getting in the Dance, Wake must win at Virginia Tech and then at home against N.C. State to get to 8 ACC wins before the Conference tournament. Tuesday night’s game with the Hokies is especially important since Va. Tech is another ACC team on the bubble.

- Patrick Snow

                                                                         

related tags

Tribal Fever,
Virginia,
South Carolina,
North Carolina,
Sports,

Related Dispatches