No doubt that VPI is not a pushover at 16-7 ass Mike Young might be saving his job, but the Hokies are still only 5-5 in ACC action and at this point might project (if fortunate) only to the NIT. Meanwhile, Will Wade's Wolfpack is aiming toward the Dance after wins in five straight and ten of twelve and maybe feeling a bit invincible after spotting SMU a double-digit lead in Dallas at midweek... but still managing to rally back for an 84-83 win. Wade has been getting heavy production lately from key transfer F Darrion Williams, who helped steer Texas Tech to the Elite 8 last season and stayed hot when scoring 25 in the dramatic win over the Mustangs. Play NC State

Sophomore guard Tyler Johnson remains out for the Hokies, who are currently on the wrong side of the NCAA Tournament bubble. I still like Virginia Tech to keep it competitive in Raleigh, N.C., in part due to their extra rest. The Hokies are coming off a 14-point home loss to Duke, but haven't lost two in a row in more than a month. The Wolfpack are rolling and lead the ACC in 3-point shooting percentage (40.1). But the Hokies pace the conference in defending that shot, holding opponents to 29.5 percent. Grab the points.