ACC Daily Digest, Feb. 19: NC State lands 2021 commit, Tuesday night hoops, Zion’s NBA Draft odds

It’s a super Tuesday with lots of basketball stuff going on, which is always cool. Let’s get right to it — starting with Virginia-Virginia Tech.

 

Led by its defense, UVA downs Virginia Tech in Blacksburg

No. 4 Virginia went on the road Monday night to play No. 22 Virginia Tech, minus its points guard, Justin Robinson. This was a super-competitive game; however, Virginia’s defense once again proved key as the Cavaliers won 64-58.

Despite another monster effort from Kerry Blackshear Jr. (23 points, 13 rebounds), the Hokies scored just 0.98 points per possession and hit only 3-of-28 3-point attempts (10.7 3P%).

Kyle Guy went wild from beyond the arc, draining 6-of-13 3-point attempts, and finishing with 23 points; Ty Jerome did his thing, too — hitting a couple floaters to go along with three 3-pointers. After sitting for most of the first half in foul trouble, De’Andre Hunter had a huge two-way impact in the second half — which included locking up Nickeil Alexander-Walker and finishing.

 

Tuesday Night Hoops Schedule: 2 Games

  • Wake Forest at Notre Dame, 7 p.m. (ESPN U)
  • No. 16 Florida State at Clemson, 9 p.m. (ESPN U)

 

NC State basketball lands 2021 commitment

On Monday, NC State basketball landed an early 2021 in-state commitment: Terquavion Smith, a guard from Farmville. Smith had two other scholarship offers — both from other in-state programs: East Carolina and High Point.

 

Breaking News: Duke has some very talented basketball players

According to opening odds from Draft Kings, Zion Williamsonto the surprise of no one — is a heavy favorite to go No. 1 overall in this June’s NBA Draft. He’s joined in the top four by, of course, RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish — along with Ja Morant of Murray State.

Williamson is a 1-20 favorite to go No. 1 overall, which sounds insane but also totally spot-on. Barrett is next at 11-2; Morant is 13-2, and Reddish is further down the ladder at 20-1.