As always there is controversy about the NCAA Tournament Committee's handiwork. Here's how I see the NCAA's treatment of the ACC:
Four teams. No arguments here. Florida State put itself in position to get an NCAA bid with a 9-7 conference record and an upset of number one Duke. But with a lackluster non-conference schedule and a low RPI rating, the Seminoles needed a little more. When they blew a double digit lead against Wake Forest in the first round of the ACC Tournament, the 'Noles were, appropriately, sentenced to the NIT. Maryland played a good non-conference schedule but just didn't win enough games. The Terps gave themselves a chance with a solid Thursday night win in the ACC Tournament over Georgia Tech, but then folded on Friday against Boston College.
Duke: I still think Connecticut has the best collection of talent in college basketball, but Duke has been a more consistent performer during this season. The Blue Devils deserved the top #1 seed, even though they might be an underdog in a matchup with the Huskies.
North Carolina: The Tar Heels were given a number three seed. Since they lost to Boston College in the ACC Tournament, they probably don't deserve anything higher than that. What's really curious though, is that Tennessee, which dropped four of its last six games, was given a two seed and assigned to first round games in Greensboro, while Carolina, which won eleven of its last thirteen, was shipped to Dayton, Ohio.
NC State: I saw the Wolfpack falling to a seven or eight seed. Still, the committee's decision to make the Pack a ten seed is defensible. State dropped its last four games, including two to the ACC's last place team. And State has injuries. This Wolfpack team would have fared better had Selection Sunday occurred in February.
Boston College: I would hate to be the #1 seed that plays this #4 seed. BC has been given a strange assignment to Minneapolis by way of Salt Lake City, but this team has the poise and experience to handle that. Do not be surprised if the Eagles make the Final Four.
-- Bob Holliday
