UNC won it in 2007, in a game that is oddly similar to tonight’s.
North Carolina will play NC State for the third time this season tonight. The Tar Heels won the first two, but this one means more. If UNC wins, it will be their first ACC tournament championship since 2016. If the Wolfpack win, it is their first since 1987 and would put them into the NCAA tournament.
Similar Scenario
Per CBS Sports, NC State is the second double-digit seed to reach the ACC Championship game. The first was the Wolfpack, who made it as the #10-seed, the same as what they are this year. The #1-seed that year? North Carolina. The Tar Heels would win that game 89-80. It was Roy Williams first ACC Tournament championship. Could Hubert Davis do the same tonight?
Flashback
In 2007, it was a very balanced performance that won UNC the game. All five starters scored in double-digits. Brandan Wright would be named tournament MVP.
What’s On The Line?
The ACC Championship, obviously. North Carolina could sweep the regular season and conference titles. NC State has to win to make the NCAA tournament, and it would give Wolfpack coach Kevin Keatts a two-year extension.
With NC State playing its fifth game in as many days, it should be a point of emphasis to speed them up.
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