Michael Cannon

Virginia Tech +12 vs. North Carolina, at Atlanta, GA

Take the points with Virginia Tech in the quarterfinals round of the ACC tournament.

There’s no question North Carolina should win this game, but with point guard Ty Lawson questionable with a toe injury you have to wonder how coach Roy Williams will approach it.

Does he risk losing Lawson for an extended time or does he keep his eye on the bigger prize and rest his star point guard?

I have a feeling Lawson will dress and see some action, but I doubt very seriously he’s going to see many minutes today. Virginia Tech has played Carolina fairly tough the last few meetings and you know the Hokies are going to be jacked for this matchup.

The Tarheels haven’t fared very well against the number this year and it’s due in large part to some hefty point spreads. Carolina has the talent to get by without Lawson today, but I don’t see them controlling play for the entire 40 minutes.

Virginia Tech is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings with North Carolina, including an 86-78 home loss on March 4 as a 9 ½-point dog.

Take the points with the Hokies as they stay within the number.

2♦ VIRGINIA TECH


Mississippi State +2 vs. South Carolina, at Tampa, FL

Take Mississippi State as the small dog over South Carolina in the quarterfinals round of the SEC tournament.

I had the Bulldogs yesterday as a free play winner over Georgia and I’m backing them again this afternoon.

Mississippi State has played very well down the stretch, winning three straight including minor upsets over Florida and at Ole Miss before crushing Georgia yesterday. They are 5-2 ATS in their last seven overall.

South Carolina suffered two ugly losses on the road against Vanderbilt and at home versus Tennessee before righting the ship with a win at woeful Georgia.

The Gamecocks are just 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight overall.

Mississippi State has won and covered the last two meetings with South Carolina and I like how they have gelled down the stretch.

Take Mississippi State as they get it done over South Carolina.

3♦ MISSISSIPPI STATE