Virginia Tech ended the season strong. The Hokies have played great defense down the stretch but now have to deal with NC State's DJ Burns down-low. The Wolfpack have the better guard play but this is a gritty Virginia Tech team. In their last three games, they’ve been holding opponents to less than 60 points. NC State is allowing 80+ points in their last three. The Hokies have been shooting 40.2 percent from three in that span as compared to the Wolfpack’s 33.3 percent. If the Hokies can contain NC State’s guards, they can stay within the number, if not win outright. I’m on Virginia Tech.

NC State won the only regular season meeting, beating Virginia Tech in Blacksburg 73-69 back in early January. The recent form isn't great with two straight losses to close the regular season, but it's also a group that's been self-scouting and preparing for the ACC Tournament since Feb. 28. There may be some rust early against a Hokies team coming off a Tuesday night win, but over 40 minutes I expect the Wolfpack's ball pressure defense and top-tier guard duo of Jarkel Joiner and Terquavion Smith to control the game and get the cover.