By Jerry Ratcliffe

CHARLOTTE – The old coaches will tell you it’s hard to beat a team three times, but don’t try to convince Ryan Odom on that ancient axiom.

Odom’s 10th-ranked Virginia team pulled off the trifecta against NC State in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament on Thursday at the Spectrum Center. Granted, it was more challenging than the first two meetings. UVA won blowouts in those two contests.

At least the Wolfpack made it interesting enough to keep its fans glued to their seats for the final minutes this time around before the Cavaliers locked up an 81-74 win.

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