We're a game into conference play and its time to overreact if you're half of the ACC teams in the league. No one should be surprised to see Virginia win at home over UNC. The Heels are a team still defining roles and to win on the road at Virginia isn't going to be easy. This year's UNC team reminds me a lof of Duke from last year, lots of good players, but no one ready to emerge. Similar to Duke from last season, UNC doesn't have anyone that can beat their defender off the dribble and create for others. As a result, you get a team that struggles to get open shots.
Not to focus on the Heels opening loss too much though, because Virginia was solid. The Cavaliers were dynamite from 3 point range making 57% of their long range attempts while making just 40% of their shots from inside the arc. As SCACCHoops.com contributer @hokieguru pointed out, UVA starts off the conference season with a fairly easy schedule. UVA could reasonably start 5-1 in conference play if they catch a couple breaks.
Looking at Saturday's games, Maryland was impressive winning easily even without Nick Faust playing his normal minutes. Faust experienced back spasms and its unsure if he'll play in Maryland's game this week. Jake Layman had perhaps his best game as a Maryland Terrapin in Faust's absence and the Terps rolled over Virginia Tech. The Hokies are headed in the wrong direction after starting the season strong, they have lost their last 3 games by 20+ points.
Miami picked up a good win at Georgia Tech and did so without the backcourt of Durand Scott and Shane Larkin having a good game. Its one of the signs of a good team when you have enough scoring depth to offset a bad game from one of your better players, and still get a win.
Duke has similar scoring depth and the Blue Devils cruised past a young Wake Forest team. To the Deacs credit, they didn't stop fighting despite the score.
FSU jumped out to a big lead at Clemson, but the Tigers fought back and had several chances to tie the game up in the final minute but FSU held on. Okaro White was big for FSU and having Ian Miller back on the court was big as well.
NC State picked up a good win at Boston College to open their conference season. Free throw shooting continues to be a concern for the Pack, and it opened the door for BC to have a chance to tie in on their final possession. NC State made enough plays though, thanks in large part to Rodney Purvis who had perhaps his best game of the season.
No ACC action tonight, so instead I'll give a game sim prediction of tonight's National Title game in football.
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