Nolan Smith fought off a toe injury to score 27 points to lead Duke to a 77-63 win over Virginia Tech in the ACC Tournament semifinals. Smith hit 8-16 field goals to lead the way, as the Blue Devils will now face North Carolina in the ACC final on Sunday.
ACC Tournament 2011 Bracket Update: Nolan Smith Carries Duke Past Virginia Tech
Smith was questionable to even play after landing on Cliff Tucker's foot in Duke's quarterfinal win over Maryland, but he came out and he dominated early. Malcolm Delaney tried to keep pace with 19 points, but it was not enough, especially because second-leading scorer Jeff Allen had a rough game. Allen shot 1-7 from the field, fouled out and had an embarrassing moment where he threw the ball off Andre Dawkins' face.
The Hokies now move to the bubble, but they should still make the NCAA Tournament on the strength of their quarterfinal win over Florida State.
For more on the game, Duke fans and Barnes fans alike should check out Duke Basketball Report, while Virginia tech fans can sweat out Selection Sunday on Gobbler Country.
Friday, March 11
No. 1 North Carolina def. No. 9 Miami, 64-62
No. 4 Clemson def. No. 5 Boston College, 70-47
No. 2 Duke def. No. No. 7 Maryland, 87-71
9:30 p.m., ESPN2/ACC Network: Virginia Tech def Florida State, 52-51
Saturday, March 12
No. 1 North Carolina def. No. 4 Clemson, 92-87
No. 2 Duke def. No. 6 Virginia Tech, 77-63
Sunday, March 13
1:00 p.m., ESPN/ACC Network: ACC Championship Game
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