ACC Basketball: Key Matchups as Syracuse Eyes Tournament Spot

Pittsburgh, PA – Two Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) basketball games are set for Tuesday, February 18, 2025, as Syracuse visits Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech travels to Boston College. Both matchups are vital as teams position themselves for the ACC Tournament amid the pressure of the regular season’s final stretch.

Syracuse is currently fighting for a spot in the upcoming ACC Tournament. Following the conference’s recent expansion, the unfortunate reality is that the bottom three teams will likely miss the coveted postseason slots. With a limited margin for error, every game counts for the Orange.

Pittsburgh is facing its own challenges, particularly recent injury concerns. However, there’s a silver lining: Jaland Lowe has been cleared to play after spending time in the concussion protocol. His return could be pivotal for the Panthers as they navigate through late-season difficulties.

One of the significant threats Pittsburgh will have to counter is Eddie Lampkin, who has been experiencing a surge in performance. Despite a lack of a strong defensive matchup to contain him, Cam Corhen will likely take on the responsibility. Corhen, while competent, is not an elite center, which could pose challenges for the Panthers’ defense.

Another player to watch is JJ Starling, a formidable talent who could exploit Syracuse’s ongoing defensive struggles. Syracuse has been plagued by poor defensive performances throughout the season, giving Pittsburgh an opportunity to capitalize on their flaws.

In the second matchup, Virginia Tech heads to Boston College in what appears to be a less exciting contest for fans. The Eagles, despite showing heart, have struggled significantly, managing only one win since January 1, a remarkable upset against Florida State.

Virginia Tech, while not a dominant team, has shown improvement lately and possesses a more consistent offense than Boston College. Hokies coach Mike Young has expressed his frustration over his team’s careless play at times, but recent performances suggest they are gaining traction heading into the final weeks of the season.

As both games unfold, expect a high level of intensity as teams battle for positioning and pride in the hunt for postseason opportunities.