Week 14 ACC Power Rankings: Virginia Rides Their Six Game Win Streak To The Number Two Spot
In the first matchup of the season between Duke and North Carolina, the Tar Heels took the first game to bounce back after a bad loss against Georgia Tech. Despite the lost to the Yellow Jackets the Tar Heels remain on top.
With Quad 1 matchups all across the ACC in the next couple of weeks and teams like Miami, Wake Forest, Clemson and NC State need all they can to escape the bubble. Here's how my ACC Power Rankings shape up heading into Week 14 of the season:
#1: North Carolina Tar Heels (18-4, 10-1 ACC)
Last Result: 93-84 Win vs Duke
The Tar Heels didn't need much from RJ Davis against Duke as Armando Bacot and Harrison Ingram combined for 46 points and 23 rebounds to give North Carolina a big time Quad 1 win. While they couldn't convert their final shot against the Yellow Jackets, it was going to be tough for them to escape the ACC with at least a loss. A tougher slate this week as they'll host Clemson before heading to face the Hurricanes this coming weekend.
#2: Virginia Cavaliers (17-5, 8-3 ACC)
Last Result: 66-65 Win at Clemson
A six game winning streak has the Cavaliers back to the number two spot where they were seven weeks ago in my power rankings. A large part of this has been the play of Reece Beekman, who's averaging 13.7 points, 6.9 assists and 2.9 steals per game in 2024. However the offense still isn't where it needs to be, as they've only scored more than 70 points eight times this year. They'll take on Miami tonight before going on the road to face the Seminoles.
#3: Duke Blue Devils (16-5, 7-3 ACC)
Last Result: 93-84 Loss at North Carolina
While losing to the Tar Heels was a tough blow, the Blue Devils are starting to see what this team is made of. Freshman guard Jared McCain has been the standout addition to this team, putting up averages of 16.6 points and 6.2 rebounds across his last five games. Duke gets an easy week with Notre Dame and Boston College at home to get back on track.
#4: NC State Wolfpack (15-7, 7-4 ACC)
Last Result: 82-76 Win vs Georgia Tech
After a three game skid the Wolfpack captured two straight this past week to get themselves back into the mix for the NCAA Tournament. A 25 PPG week for DJ Horne led the way with wins over Miami and Georgia Tech. They'll take on Pitt at home Wednesday and then travel to Wake Forest this weekend.
#5: Wake Forest Demon Deacons (14-7, 6-4 ACC)
Last Result: 99-70 Win vs Syracuse
Despite being 3-4 since their nine game winning streak, the Demon Deacons still are keeping themselves afloat especially after their complete domination of Syracuse. Hunter Sallis has himself back in the ACC POTY race as he'll likely be onto the NBA after this season. Wake Forest just needs to find some consistency, and will hope for a 2-0 week with games at Georgia Tech and home versus NC State.
#6: Florida State Seminoles (12-9, 6-4 ACC)
Last Result: 101-92 Loss at Louisville
They've played just two games in the last nine days so it's difficult to get a complete read on them. Despite back-to-back losses they still have one of the best records in conference play. They'll get back to two games this week with Boston College and Virginia.
#7: Miami Hurricanes (15-7, 6-5 ACC)
Last Result: 82-74 Win vs Virginia Tech
Health continues to be the concern for Miami as Wooga Poplar suffered an injury but returned during their win versus the Hokies. With all the uncertainty, Kyshawn George has been on a rise and could very well end up hearing his name called during the 2024 NBA Draft. In the meantime, this Hurricane team sits on the bubble with a chance to make a splash with North Carolina coming to town this weekend.
#8: Pittsburgh Panthers (14-8, 5-6 ACC)
Last Result: 70-60 Win vs Notre Dame
4-1 in their last five with wins over Duke and Wake Forest has the Panthers sneak into the last spot on the list. Blake Hinson continues to be the engine that drives this team with 17 point outings in their last two contests. They have just one game this week going to NC State, but if they win there and beat Virginia the following week they could get themselves into the bubble.
2023-24 Miami Hurricanes Basketball Schedule
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