March 12, 2005

It was a special day for Georgia Tech's Will Bynum and Duke's J.J. Redick.

Both players scored 35 points in the ACC semifinals to lead their teams to Sunday's championship game. Tech upset North Carolina while Duke got past Georgia Tech.

Bynum showed physical ability to drive to the basket and hit his share of jumpers. Bynum had 23 of his 35 points in the second half in a thriller.

Sean May struggled in the first half but came on after intermission. It simply wasn't enough. I still feel the Tar Heels will be the team to beat in the big dance.

As for Duke, Redick hit big shot after big shot to set a school record for points in an ACC tournament game, a mark that stood for 50 years. That's why he was my pick for national Player of the Year.

Now Duke and Georgia Tech battle Sunday. The Blue Devils swept the season series, by 17 and four points. Redick averaged 23.5 ppg. in those two wins. Duke is in the ACC final for the seventh straight season, but this will be a challenge against a solid defensive squad.

The Yellow Jackets are looking for their first ACC tourney title since 1993. This is their first championship game appearance since 1996.

I think Sunday's game will be an outstanding battle. Then it is off for the Selection Sunday special and time to talk brackets, baby!

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question to Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.