ACC men’s basketball power rankings: Duke, Pitt stay on top while North Carolina tumbles

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As a new year dawns, the ACC finds itself in what has become a familiar position the past several years.

The conference has brand names, but a shortage of national title contenders, with only five teams among the top 50 squads in the NCAA’s NET rankings as of New Year’s Day. It’s quite possible that another strong NCAA Tournament showing could help the league come March, but for now? The outlook isn’t so rosy.

Here’s where the ACC’s 18 men’s basketball programs stand as a new year begins:

(These rankings take into account games through Wednesday, Jan. 1)

ACC basketball power rankings

1. Duke

Since their statement win against Auburn, the Blue Devils have won each of their past five games by double digits. The clear class of the conference.

REQUIRED READING: Will Duke basketball go undefeated in the ACC? Breaking down the Blue Devils entering 2025

2. Pitt

The Panthers trailed Cal by as many as 16 in the first half but rallied behind Jaland Lowe’s 27 points and eight assists for a 12-point victory.

3. Clemson

The Tigers responded to a two-game losing streak with two straight conference wins by at least 11 points.

4. SMU

The Mustangs don’t have a ton of impressive wins on their resume, but, led by Wake Forest transfer Boopie Miller, they’re 11-2.

5. Louisville

After avoiding disaster with a last-second victory over Eastern Kentucky, the Cardinals knocked off North Carolina by 13. Pat Kelsey has things heading in the right direction.

6. North Carolina

The Tar Heels were without Seth Trimble, but their loss at Louisville dropped them to 8-6: their worst 14-game start in five years.

REQUIRED READING: Will UNC basketball make the NCAA Tournament? Breaking down the Tar Heels entering 2025

7. Wake Forest

Steve Forbes’ Demon Deacons went 9 of 19 on 3-pointers in an 81-71 road victory vs. Syracuse.

8. Florida State

The Seminoles have been in the headlines for a lawsuit filed against coach Leonard Hamilton. They’ve at least gotten to enjoy some time off, with no games between a Dec….

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/acc-mens-basketball-power-rankings-150026395.html

Author : The Fayetteville Observer

Publish date : 2025-01-02 15:00:00

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