GREENSBORO — Virginia takes the floor for what could be its final practice Wednesday. If the local scuttlebutt can be believed, it's the Cavaliers' final practice under Jeff Jones.

Virginia will count on the record three-point shooting by Curtis Staples and the versatility and flexibility of Norman Nolan. Nolan says the although the Duke players are great perimeter shooters, he believes Virginia has the upper hand in the paint.

Jones, the youthful UVA mentor, patiently addresses the criticism of his coaching performance that has hovered this season like a storm cloud over Virginia.

"It's the nature of the business," Jones explains. "You better be able to deal with it and handle it as best you can, or else it's not the right business to be in."

There's no pressure for the Cav's Thursday night. The Duke game gives them one more shot before this season's final horn.

Losing some close games hasn't dampened the spirits of Florida State. The Seminoles did some slamming and jamming Wednesday night to prepare for Thursday's third meeting with NC State.

"We've been grateful to win two games against them," says FSU guard, Lamar Greer. "But I think those two games have nothing to do about Thursday's game."

This year for the first time, the ACC will have two games on Thursday and three of Friday. The games will be over on Sunday, but the debate about the new format will go on long beyond that.