ACC Hoops Recap 11/12

If you missed the first night in the ACC, here's a quick recap...

• The two ranked teams in action, UNC and Virginia Tech, neither looked like ranked teams.  The Heels struggled to stop the Lipscomb 3 point shooting in their 80-66 win.  Despite having better athletes, the Heels didn't dominate the rebounding or turnover numbers as they should have.  Virginia Tech dominated the boards against Campbell in their 70-60 win, but turnovers and perimeter defense were lacking.  Its clear both teams were a bit rusty, but I expect larger margins of victory from ranked teams at home against this caliber of opponents.
• Boston College, Clemson, and FSU did handle their opponents as expected.  The BC veterans (Trapani, Jackson, and Raji) led the way for the Eagles in Steve Donahue's debut.  Clemson also took care of business winning by 23 points, and two sophomores led the Tigers in scoring.  Big things are expected from Devin Booker and Milton Jennings, and the two 2nd year players played well.  If you haven't read the story of FSU big man, Bernard James, stop what you're doing and read it here.  I'll wait.  Adding to that story, the 25 year old newcomer led FSU with 15 points, 10 rebounds in FSU's 75-55 win.
• NC State's trio freshmen were the top 3 scorers for the Pack and CJ Leslie led the way with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 blocks.  Tracy Smith had a tough night, going 2-8 from the floor, but did score 10 points.  Its early and the Pack freshmen are off to a good start, but watch Smith's performance.  I have some concern for the Pack's team chemistry if Smith struggles early, but only time will tell.
• I've yet to mention Georgia Tech or Miami.  That's because both teams won, but neither were very impressive.  Georgia Tech won 52-39 and was led by Mfon Udofia's 12 points.  Iman Shumpert struggled shooting the ball, going 2-14 from the floor marking the second straight performance with a rough performance.  Miami won 89-77 and while the offensive numbers were good, the defensive numbers left something to be desired.  The Canes trailed for the first 28 minutes of the game, before taking control.  Malcolm Grant led the way with 23 points and Durand Scott added 20 points, but the defensive woes are a concern.
• I left Wake Forest for last on purpose.  The Deacs lost to Stetson at home 89-79.  Wake is extremely young, but there's no excuse for any ACC team to lose to Stetson at home.  JT Terrell led Wake Forest with 26 points, but Wake was on the short-end of turnovers and rebounding and was never really close throughout.