ACC men’s basketball power rankings: Duke stays on top, Clemson up, UNC down

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Over the course of its 71-year history, the ACC has had better starts to the men’s basketball season.

The conference wrapped up the first month of the 2024-25 season by going 2-14 against the SEC in the ACC-SEC Challenge, with 11 of those 14 losses decided by at least 10 points.

Here’s where the ACC’s 18 men’s basketball programs stand heading into mid-December:

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(These rankings take into account games through Tuesday, Dec. 10)

ACC basketball power rankings

1. Duke

The Blue Devils picked up perhaps the most impressive win of the season by any team in the conference, defeating a previously undefeated Auburn squad coming off a Maui Invitational title.

2. Clemson

The Tigers gave their league its only other win in the ACC-SEC Challenge, knocking off a top-10 Kentucky team. Finally off the hot seat, Brad Brownell may have a squad capable of winning a conference title.

3. Pitt

The Panthers got wrecked by Mississippi State and needed a late comeback to beat Virginia Tech, but their overall resume speaks for itself.

4. North Carolina

With conference-only play beginning soon, we’ll see if the Tar Heels’ 5-4 start is the product of a difficult schedule or something more concerning.

5. SMU

It’s unlikely the Mustangs’ men’s basketball team will have as seamless a transition to the ACC as their football counterparts, but an 8-2 start isn’t bad.

6. Louisville

The Cardinals’ first season under Pat Kelsey is turning into a war of attrition after season-ending injuries to Kasean Pryor and Koren Johnson.

7. Wake Forest

Cameron Hildreth had a season-high 22 points in a six-point win against Boston College to open up ACC play.

8. NC State

Bowling Green transfer Marcus Hill has been a force lately for the Wolfpack, averaging 18.3 points and shooting 55.9% from the field in three games in December.

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/acc-mens-basketball-power-rankings-192450017.html

Author : The Fayetteville Observer

Publish date : 2024-12-11 19:24:00

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