Two weeks ago we zeroed in on Wake Forest and Pittsburgh as at large NCAA candidates from the ACC.
UNC, Duke, and Clemson are locks to the NCAA. Clemson just needs 1 more win, and there’s no scenario they’d get left. Virginia is fine, but ask again if they lose at Boston College this week. Then we have a problem.
Syracuse (84), and NC State (77) have NETS that have them too far off the radar at the time being. Virginia Tech is 57, but at 15-12 simply has too many losses.
That still leaves Wake Forest and Pittsburgh as ACC teams that realistically can play their way into the NCAA Tournament.
What do they need to do?
Wake Forest 18-9 (10-6) Net 25
I’d easily have Wake Forest in the field now. Either as a 9 or 10 seed, but most of the bracket guessers have them as either Last 4 BYE or Last 4 IN. The Deacs got an enormous home win over Duke, and their victory over Florida is 1 spot from being a second Q1 win. Their NET number is great. Wake Forest’s stage is now set.
A 3-1 finish leaves Wake Forest 21-10 (13-7) and I think in great shape to make the NCAAs. Wake Forest plays at Notre Dame, at Virginia Tech, host Georgia Tech and Clemson. A Wake Forest at Virginia Tech or a victory over Clemson give them another Q1 win. 20-11 (12-8) would have them squarely on the bubble, but I think in still. The SEC has gone from 9 to 7 at large bids in the last 2 weeks, and MWC is looking less and less likely to end up with 6 bids.
I really like Wake Forest’s position if they just take care of business.
Pittsburgh 18-9 (9-7) Net 46
Pittsburgh is in a decent shape. They have 3 Q1 Wins, and they picked up a huge win at Virginia. The Panthers have positioned themselves to get to the NCAA tournament.
It also looks like a 3-1 finish should get Pitt in the field. Only a game at Clemson is another opportunity at a Q1 win though, but if they win at Boston College, beat FSU, and NC State at home that’s a 21-10 (12-8) finish even if they lose at Clemson. Their NET should be in the high 30s or low 40s.
Should they get the Tigers at Littlejohn, Pitt would be set up perfectly for the final 3 games.
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