Weekend in Review; Part 1

Teams' stocks rose and fell in a matter of two days. Let's make a quick run through of all the teams, and who's stock improved, who's worsened, and who stayed afloat.

Boston College- The Eagles squandered away a chance for a great road victory early in ACC play as they lost 63-62 in Blacksburg to Virginia Tech. BC turned the ball over 19 times in the game, most coming in the first half as the Hokies boasted a nine point lead at the break. But Al Skinner's team showed resilience in the second period, displaying great halfcourt defense and holding ACC leading scorer Malcolm Delaney to only 13 points. The Eagles easily could have won the game, as they beat Tech by one in an eerily similar match last year in Boston. BC possesses a size advantage inside on most teams, and the versatility of wing/forward Joe Trapani will be hard for teams to match up against. Reggie Jackson is the best 6th man in the ACC. The Eagles are most comfortable with games in the 60s, and will look to play halfcourt type games as the season progresses.

Clemson- Oliver Purnell's teamfell victim Saturday night to an angry Duke team hungry for a win over a quality opponent such as the Tigers. Clemson's backcourt quartet of Demontez Stitt, Andre Young, Tanner Smith, and Noel Johnson combined for a 0-8 assist to turnover ratio. The Tigers also shot the ball poorly, particularly from the perimeter. Trevor Booker was his usual self, posting 22 points, but only got to the free throw line twice. Clemson won the rebounding battle 27-25, but ultimately their poor shooting doomed them. Stitt, Smith, and Johnson shot a combined 4-19 from the floor. If the three make four more shots the game could swing in the Tigers' favor. Clemson is still a major ACC contender.

Duke- The Blue Devils got their first true road win of the season at Clemson, and shut up the hostile Littlejohn Coliseum sellout crowd. Duke's success was predicated on great defense, as they allowed only 47 points, their second lowest point total allowed all year, in their 13 point win. The Devils held Clemson to 15% shooting from beyond the arc. Not only has Nolan Smith stepped up to become perhaps the heart and soul of his team, but he has put himself in the conversation for All-ACC first team honors this year. Smith had 22 points Saturday night on 8-13 shooting, as well as not turning the ball over once, showing that he is playing within himself and not forcing shots while still leading the team in scoring.

Florida State- FSU got a big home win today, as they best Georgia Tech by a count of 68-66. The Seminoles displayed outstanding perimeter defense throughout the contest. Tech's tremendous inside duo of Gani Lawal and Derrick Favors was held to only 15 points, thanks to the tremendous size the Seminoles display up front, led by 7-1 Solomon Alabi. Alabi is a likely NBA lottery pick, and showed why today. He posted 14 points, including 6-6 at the foul line, and frustrated Lawal and Favors with his size all day. Chris Singleton, another likely NBA top 20-pick, led FSU with 22 points, despite shooting a miserable 4-10 at the free throw line. FSU will need to shoot better than 20% from three point range, as well as get more production from their bench, if they want to become a contender for the ACC crown this season.

Georgia Tech- Tech lost by two in a physical game in Tallahassee. Without the tremendous performance of freshman wing Brian Oliver, who came off the bench to net six threes. The inability to get easy baskets in transition or to get Favors and Lawal involved inside let to Tech's demise. Mfon Udofia was held to five points and could never get going off missed FSU baskets. He finished with only one assist. Tech will get a chance to bounce back at home Thursday against Wake Forest in a game that is likely to be a track meet. Udofia will face a stern challenge against lighting quick Ishmael Smith, who will be looking to push the tempo at all costs. Look for Lawal and Favors to have bounce back games. Whoever wins the rebounding battle inside will have a critical upper hand in the game.

Maryland- The Terrapins dismantled NC State at home, 88-64. The Terrapins got tremendous production from their big three of Greivis Vasquez, Landon Milbourne, and Sean Mosley, as they combined for 50 of the team's 88 points. Maryland's backcourt took much better care of the ball, and therefore won big. Cliff Tucker came off the bench to score 11 points to take some pressure off the team's starters. Classic Gary Williams teams that have had success in postseason play have had deep backcourts, and this team certainly has that element. The Terps, winners of three of their last four, are the hottest team in the ACC. The one loss came in overtime at Wake Forest. Maryland will look to continue their success Tuesday in College Park against a desperate Miami team.