Breaking news:7 foot guard 259 pounds Flip commitment to Duke Men basketball shock and rejected Tennessee and…
Breaking news:7 foot guard 259 pounds Flip commitment to Duke Men basketball shock and rejected Tennessee and…
ACC men’s basketball power rankings: Duke dominating, UNC sliding ahead of rivalry game
In recent days, a question has been raised — is it more likely that Duke men’s basketball finishes this season undefeated in ACC play or that Miami goes winless?
The Blue Devils’ dominance has been unquestionable, while the Hurricanes have been the clear worst team in the conference to this point, with an 0-10 mark against ACC opponents.
Where do teams in between Duke and Miami rank? Here’s where the ACC’s 18 programs stand:
(These rankings take into account games through Wednesday, Jan. 29)
ACC basketball power rankings
1. Duke
After largely coasting through their first eight ACC games, the Blue Devils have had to sweat — or, in Khaman Maluach’s case, puke — it out just a bit lately, beating Wake Forest and NC State by seven and 10 points, respectively.
2. Louisville
Louisville’s stellar run under Pat Kelsey continues, with 10 straight wins. Over the past five games, sharpshooter Reyne Smith has made 28 of 56 3-pointers.
3. Clemson
Clemson has been known as a defensive force under Brad Brownell, but they’re 26th in offensive efficiency this season, according to KenPom.
4. Pitt
Pitt has recovered nicely, winning two in a row after a four-game skid. Zack Austin was a force in a win against North Carolina, scoring 15 points on seven shot attempts and blocking five shots.
5. SMU
SMU has won five of its past six, though a home game against Stanford Saturday should provide a stiff test.
6. Wake Forest
After falling to Duke by seven and suffering a 13-point loss to Louisville that was uglier than the final score indicated, Wake Forest’s opportunities for Quad 1 wins are waning.
7. Stanford
At 15-6, Stanford has already surpassed its win total from last season — with 10 regular-season games remaining.
8. North Carolina
It’s tougher to find a bigger disappointment in the league than North Carolina, who is 13-9 after losing three of its past four and squandering its NCAA tournament chances.
9. Florida State
The Seminoles have lost three in a row after starting 13-5 this season.
10. Notre Dame
With three wins in their past four games, Notre Dame is starting to show why its advanced metrics have been better than its record.
11. Cal
Freshman Jeremiah Wilkinson is averaging 21.3 points per game over Cal’s past three games.
12. Syracuse
With Duke awaiting next Wednesday, Syracuse will almost certainly need a win at Cal Saturday to avoid a five-game losing streak.
13. NC State
The Wolfpack showed some its potential and talent in a close loss at Duke — which only makes its five-game losing streak all the more frustrating.
14. Georgia Tech
Naithan George scored 20 points, made 9 of 11 shots and dished out five assists in a 71-68 loss at Notre Dame.
15. Virginia Tech
The Hokies snapped a three-game losing streak emphatically, beating Florida State by 10 on the road.
16. Virginia
Virginia has won two of their past three, though the victories came against the only two teams ranked below it.
17. Boston College
The Eagles choked away a four-point lead in the final 20 seconds in an overtime loss at North Carolina.
18. Miami
Miami very nearly got its first ACC win last Saturday, but fell 98-94 in overtime at Cal.
