A Look At Friday's Games

An exciting day Thursday, with some great games in the Big East Tournament and a double overtime thriller between Colorado and Baylor in the Big XII. Teams really stumbled some more onto the bubble, as Villanova, Baylor, Oregon, and Arizona State were a few of the teams that couldn't get it done. We won't have a threepeat, as Florida's lost to Alabama solidifies what looks to be a NIT postseason for the Gators. Friday should have some big games as well, hopefully helping us clear this bubble situation up at all.

ACC

Florida State (19-13, 7-9) vs. #1 North Carolina (29-2, 14-2): The Seminoles got past Wake Forest in the first round, and now gets a chance to pick up a huge win and put themselves in better NCAA position. UNC will be on a mission to earn the overall #1 seed. Look for Hansbrough and Ellington to come up with good games.

Prediction: North Carolina 86-61

Miami (22-9, 8-8) vs. Virginia Tech (18-12, 9-7): Miami can probably feel pretty safe after winning their first round game, but can get comfortable by advancing to the semis here. Virginia Tech needs at least this win, and perhaps the upset over the Tar Heels, to get in. A loss here and they won't even garner consideration for an at-large. The Hokies' two vets, AD Vassallo and Deron Washington, will show that sense of urgency in such a huge game.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 78-67

Georgia Tech (15-16, 7-9) vs. #7 Dook (26-4, 13-3): Dook shouldn't have too much trouble advancing against a Yellow Jackets team that doesn't have the personnel to match up with the Dookies. Ga. Tech did a fine job in handling Virginia, but DeMarcus Nelson and Co. will lead Dook into the semifinals.

Prediction: Dook 84-59

Boston College (14-16, 4-12) vs. Clemson (22-8, 10-6): A game with not too much meaning, just seeding purpose for Clemson. They're glad that they aren't in the same position as these other ACC bubblers. Could Boston College pull off another upset? I think they'll need a big game from Tyrese Rice. He's got the experience and skills to help Boston College pull it off.

Prediction: Boston College 76-70

Big East

West Virginia (24-9, 11-7) vs. #9 Georgetown (26-4, 15-3): West Virginia has moved into lock status after beating UConn behind the strong play of Joe Alexander. Georgetown avoided an upset with some hot shooting versus 'Nova. Jonathan Wallace and Austin Freeman should stay hot from the outside as the favorite moves on to the championship game.

Prediction: Georgetown 74-68

Pittsburgh (24-9, 10-8) vs. #24 Marquette (24-8, 11-7): Two teams that pulled off upsets square off and look to move on to the Big East Finals. The Golden Eagles got a big effort from Jerel McNeal in the victory over Notre Dame Thursday night. A team effort will be what pushes them on to the finals.

Prediction: Marquette 81-70

The rest of the conferences should be updated in the morning, and then around noon.