ACC college basketball power rankings: Duke still No. 1, North Carolina moves into top four

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In only a few days, it will be March — with several ACC men’s basketball teams taking part in the madness.

With victories last week, Clemson and Louisville have effectively guaranteed themselves a spot in the 68-team NCAA Tournament. Duke, of course, will be there, as well. Over the next couple of weeks, at least three other ACC teams — Wake Forest, North Carolina and SMU — will polish their resumes for inclusion, plus there’s always the potential for a chaotic auto-bid from the ACC Tournament.

Here’s a look at where the ACC’s 18 men’s basketball programs stand:

(These rankings take into account games through Wednesday, Feb. 26)

REQUIRED READING: Tyrese Proctor injury overshadows Duke basketball’s dominant win at Miami

ACC basketball power rankings

1. Duke

The only thing that has been able to darken the Blue Devils’ outlook has been injuries. One week after Maliq Brown dislocated his shoulder, guard Tyrese Proctor injured his knee in a win against Miami.

2. Louisville

Chucky Hepburn set a program single-game record with 17 made free throws (on 19 attempts) in an 89-81 victory against Florida State.

3. Clemson

Even the Tigers’ 23-5 record doesn’t tell the full story of just how good this team has been. Three of Clemson’s five losses this season came in overtime.

4. North Carolina

The competition hasn’t been particularly challenging, but the Tar Heels are riding a season-best, four-game win streak – and with manageable games against Miami and Virginia Tech awaiting.

5. Wake Forest

The Demon Deacons seem content to remain on the bubble, following up a resounding victory at SMU with losses to NC State and Virginia.

6. SMU

Forget Quad One games — the Mustangs are 0-5 against the top six teams in the ACC standings, and have lost those games by an average of 17.6 points.

REQUIRED READING: UNC basketball improving in Hubert Davis’ key stat during Tar Heels’ winning streak

7. Stanford

Outside of Cooper Flagg, there’s perhaps no bigger lock for first-team all-ACC than…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/acc-college-basketball-power-rankings-195324778.html

Author : The Fayetteville Observer

Publish date : 2025-02-27 19:53:00

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