13) games [Graphic]

Gamedayr | March 15, 2013 at 9:15 am | 0 Comments

Miami forward Erik Swoope (21) during the practice day at Greensboro Coliseum. (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports)

The first round of ACC Tournament action was held on Thursday, with several big-time story lines dominating play.

With Friday upon us, we have another slew of games and another chance to watch the league’s teams jockey not only for positional seeding in the NCAAs, but, of course, for the chance to hoist the conference tournament trophy.

Miami puts its very first No. 1-overall seeding to the test against Boston College and the young man, Olivier Hanlan, who impressed the most during the first round of action. Hanlan, the ACC’s Rookie of the Year during the regular season, showed why with a 41-point outburst on 14-of-18 shooting from the field. It was the most ACC Tourney points ever scored by a freshman and the most by any player of any age since 1970.

Obviously, he is not going to make life easy for the Canes’ All-American guard Shane Larkin.

Florida State overcame an early deficit to fend off Clemson, beating the Tigers three times in one year — not an easy feat. The Seminoles took home the Tournament crown a season ago, and they have a chance to make some more noise against a disappointing North Carolina team on Friday.

Virginia and NC State face off in a battle of bubble teams. A great, close game combined with losses around the country could put both teams in the field of 68. However, if NC State takes control of this one early, Virginia may find itself on the outside looking in.

Finally, Maryland has the chance to knock off Duke for the second time this year. A loss could cost Duke a No. 1 seed in the Dance, while a Terps win may be enough to push the program into the NCAAs. After losing in buzzer-beating fashion up in Chicago, fellow fringe bubble team Minnesota, for example, will be cheering for the Blue Devils.