Boy am I glad last night’s UVa-BC game didn’t go to six overtimes. I didn’t have the pleasure of watching the epic Syracuse-UConn slugfest, but the highlights were great. Those games are fantastic for hardcore fans and horrible for reporters. Good thing I’m not covering the Big East tournament this week.

On to our little tournament here at the Georgia Dome …

The stakes couldn’t be higher for Virginia Tech today as it prepares to face No. 1 North Carolina in the ACC tournament quarterfinals. If it wins, it’s a solid bet to make the NCAAs. I wasn’t convinced of that at this time yesterday, but my colleagues have helped change my mind. If the Hokies pull off the upset, it would give them two wins over top-ranked teams this year. Only Pittsburgh has two wins this season over a top-ranked team, both against UConn.

For the second straight year, Tech’s NCAA tournament hopes come down to an ACC tournament game against the top-ranked Tar Heels. Last year’s heartbreaker, in which All-American forward Tyler Hansbrough knocked down a baseline jumper with 0.8 seconds left to give UNC the win, isn’t far from the Hokies’ minds. Motivation anyone?

Tech knows what’s at stake. Its players were able to put that pressure out of their minds and played really well offensively and defensively in a blowout win over Miami. I think they’re primed for another strong effort today. They have a lot to lose, but they didn’t play like that yesterday. I think they’ll play freely and without pressure today.

The Charlotte Observer is reporting today that UNC point guard Ty Lawson, the ACC’s player of the year, is doubtful against the Hokies. His right big toe, which he injured in practice last Friday, is still hurting him apparently. He played the entire game against Duke in the regular-season finale, but the toe swelled up afterward.

Facing a Lawson-less Tar Heel team would be a major break for the Hokies. Captain obvious over here.

A few rants …

*Not sure what to think of this, but twice in two days, guards at the entrance of the Georgia Dome parking garage checked my glove compartment and trunk for weapons and/or bombs. Maybe I just look like a criminal or something. At least they’re trying to be safe.

*Some soothing old-school R&B music is playing over the Georgia Dome public announce system right now. Among the selections, “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” by the Miracles, “Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got),” by the Four Tops and “One Fine Day,” by the The Chiffons. Personally, I like it. But some of the reporters here seem annoyed.

This was an actual exchange a few minutes ago between Roanoke Times scribes Aaron McFarling and Mark Berman, both of whom are directly facing me here in the media work room.

McFARLING (while taking a bite out of a big sandwich): “The food here is the bees’ knees.”
BERMAN: “I’m sorry, I couldn’t hear you. The music from the sock hop was too loud.”