Wake Forest vs. Notre Dame: A Deep Dive into the ACC Tournament Rematch

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Tournament heats up as Wake Forest and Notre Dame clash in a highly anticipated second-round matchup. Both teams carry a rollercoaster of emotions into this game, with Wake Forest seeking revenge for their recent loss to the Fighting Irish and Notre Dame clinging to the momentum of a thrilling first-round victory. This analysis dives deep into the strengths and weaknesses of each team, explores the factors influencing the spread, and ultimately argues why taking Wake Forest -9 might be the smarter bet.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons: Hungry for Redemption

The Demon Deacons (19-12) enter the tournament on a positive note, having secured a first-round bye and ending their regular season with a win against Clemson. However, a three-game losing streak looms large, with the most recent defeat coming at the hands of their upcoming opponent, Notre Dame. This matchup provides an opportunity for redemption for Wake Forest.

Strengths:

• Balanced Offense: Led by All-ACC First Team guard Hunter Sallis, the Demon Deacons boast a well-rounded offensive attack with three guards capable of scoring in bunches. Solid post play adds another dimension to their offensive strategy.
• Strong Defense: Wake Forest ranks sixth in the ACC in team defense, holding opponents to a respectable 70.5 points per game. This defensive prowess could be crucial in containing Notre Dame’s freshman sensation, Markus Burton.
• Home Court Advantage (Sort Of): Although technically played in Washington D.C., the close proximity to their home state could translate to a slight advantage for the Demon Deacons in terms of fan support.

Weaknesses:

• Recent Slump: The recent three-game losing streak, including the defeat to Notre Dame, raises concerns about the team’s consistency.
• Reliance on Hunter Sallis: While Sallis is a star player, overdependence on his performance can make Wake Forest vulnerable if he has an off night.
• Motivation Can Be a Double-Edged Sword: The desire for revenge can be a powerful motivator, but it can also lead to emotional overplaying.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Chasing an Upset

Notre Dame (13-19) enters the tournament as underdogs, having narrowly escaped a first-round upset against Georgia Tech. Despite their losing record, the Fighting Irish shouldn’t be underestimated, especially with the momentum gained from their recent victory.

Strengths:

• Markus Burton: The ACC Rookie of the Year, Burton is a scoring machine, capable of single-handedly carrying the offensive load on any given night. His performance against Wake Forest in their previous meeting (31 points) is a testament to his threat.
• Resilience: Notre Dame demonstrated remarkable resilience in their first-round win, overcoming a second-half deficit to secure victory. This mental toughness could be a valuable asset against a talented Wake Forest team.
• Nothing to Lose: As underdogs, Notre Dame can play with a sense of freedom and potentially catch Wake Forest off guard.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistent Play: Notre Dame’s losing record reflects their inconsistency throughout the season. Replicating their first-round performance against a stronger opponent will be a challenge.
• Defense: While capable of flashes of brilliance, Notre Dame’s overall defense struggles to consistently contain high-scoring teams like Wake Forest.
• Lack of Tournament Experience: With a young team, Notre Dame may lack the experience and composure needed to navigate the pressure of the ACC Tournament.

Why the Spread Might Favor Wake Forest (-9)

While Notre Dame’s first-round victory and Wake Forest’s recent slump might suggest a closer game, several factors favor the Demon Deacons covering the spread (-9):

• Overall Strength: Wake Forest boasts a superior overall record, a more balanced offense, and a statistically stronger defense compared to Notre Dame.
• Revenge Factor: Fueled by the desire to avenge their previous loss, Wake Forest is likely to come out with extra focus and intensity.
• Momentum Swing: Even though Wake Forest ended their regular season with a win, the momentum might be shifting in their favor after Notre Dame’s close first-round game.

Conclusion: A Tight Match with a Slight Edge to Wake Forest

The Wake Forest vs. Notre Dame matchup promises to be a nail-biter. Both teams have compelling reasons to win: Wake Forest seeks revenge for their regular-season loss and a boost to their NCAA Tournament hopes, while Notre Dame clings to the momentum of their first-round victory and the chance to pull off an upset.

Here’s why taking Wake Forest -9 might be the smarter bet:

Wake Forest’s Advantages:

• Superior Overall Record: Wake Forest’s 19-12 record speaks volumes about their consistency compared to Notre Dame’s 13-19 mark.
• Balanced Offense: The Demon Deacons’ multifaceted offense, featuring Sallis and other scoring threats, provides a more reliable scoring punch compared to Notre Dame’s reliance on Burton.
• Stronger Defense: Wake Forest’s statistically superior defense is crucial for containing Burton and limiting Notre Dame’s scoring opportunities.
• Revenge Factor: Fueled by the desire to avenge their previous loss, Wake Forest is likely to come out with a higher level of focus and intensity.

Wake Forest’s overall talent, balanced offense, and defensive prowess give them a slight edge. If they can maintain their focus and capitalize on their strengths, they have a good chance of covering the spread and securing a crucial victory in their quest for the NCAA Tournament.

PICK:  Wake Forest -9 WIN