Week 15 ACC Power Rankings: Miami's Hopes Sail Away While Clemson's Big Win Propels Them
It has been a tough season for Miami Hurricanes fans, as after making the Final Four, they've been a disappointment and dropped to 15-9 overall and 6-7 in ACC play. Whether it's been injuries, the inability to close out games, or a lack of depth, or a combination of those three, the Hurricanes have likely lost their chance to reach the NCAA Tournament.
Looking at the rest of the ACC, it's been a topsy-turvy season and that includes the big names at the top of the league. The North Carolina Tar Heels had been running away with it, but the Virginia Cavaliers are making a push as they've won eight in a row. Here's how my Week 15 ACC Power Rankings come together:
#1: North Carolina Tar Heels (19-5, 11-2 ACC)
Last Result: 75-72 Win at Miami
The Tar Heels suffered just their second loss of the ACC season as the Clemson Tigers took it to them on their home floor. However, they followed it up with a road win at Miami where they put the nail in the coffin for the Hurricanes' season. Already with one of the best trios in the nation, UNC can go far if they get top performances from Elliot Cadeau like it did on Saturday against the Hurricanes.
#2: Virginia Cavaliers (19-5, 10-3 ACC)
Last Result: 80-76 Win at Florida State
Holders of one of the largest winning streaks in the country, the Cavaliers have firmly cemented themselves as a tournament team as long as they don't self-impose. While their offense continues to be a concern long term, they were able to score 80 points at Florida State and show some firepower there. They'll face a tough Wake Forest team this coming weekend.
#3: Wake Forest Demon Deacons (16-7, 8-4 ACC)
Last Result: 83-79 Win vs NC State
One of their higher rankings in recent weeks, the Demon Deacons have rattled off three in a row as they have the fourth-best conference record as it stands. Hunter Sallis is third in the conference in scoring (18.5 PPG).
The Demon Deacons have the toughest week, as they'll go on the road to Duke and Virginia with chances for Quad 1 wins in both (currently 0-3 in Quad 1 this season).
#4: Duke Blue Devils (18-5, 9-3 ACC)
Last Result: 80-65 Win vs Boston College
Duke necessarily didn't do anything bad this week, but their lighter schedule puts them just below Wake Forest this week. Kyle Filipowski's consistency continues to be bizarre, as he was just 2-9 from the field against Notre Dame and followed it up with 16 points and a rebound the next game.
Mark Mitchell continues to be one of the more under-appreciated players in the conference with a pair of good games this week. They'll take on Wake Forest at home before going on a three-game road trip.
#5: Clemson Tigers (16-7, 6-6 ACC)
Last Result: 77-68 Win at Syracuse
A massive Quad 1 win for the Tigers this week as they took down the Tar Heels on the road to bolster their NCAA Tournament resume. PJ Hall continues to play like the second-best player in the ACC while Joseph Girard III has been hot as of late (19.5 PPG this past week). They'll get a chance to get revenge against Miami this week and host the Wolfpack this upcoming weekend.
#6: Pittsburgh Panthers (15-8, 6-6 ACC)
Last Result: 67-64 Win at NC State
Winners of their last three and 5-1 in their last six games, Blake Hinson is starting to get some more help as Carlton Carrington (17.3 PPG in last three games) and Jaland Lowe (14.7 PPG in last seven games) have stepped up. They've already faced the meat of their schedule, as their toughest remaining games are at Virginia, at Wake Forest, and at Clemson. This gives them a perfect opportunity to get hot heading into the tournament.
#7: NC State Wolfpack (15-9, 7-6 ACC)
Last Result: 83-79 Loss at Wake Forest
A team that is truly seeking that statement win, the Wolfpack are 0-6 in Quad 1 games this season. While they've been streaky, they'll have three more opportunities this season with games at Clemson and North Carolina and home versus Duke. Only one game on the schedule this week, as they'll get their seventh try at a Quad 1 win with their road matchup at Clemson.
#8: Florida State Seminoles (13-10, 7-5 ACC)
Last Result: 80-76 Loss vs Virginia
If it weren't for such a poor non-conference record, Florida State might be a top-bubble team for the tournament. While it does have two Quad 1 wins, the Noles are also 6-4 in Quad 3 & 4 games.
They managed to squeeze by Boston College with their leading scoring having just 10 points on the night. The Seminoles have been shaking recently, and enter a tough five-game stretch where they could save or end their season.
2023-24 Miami Hurricanes Basketball Schedule
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