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Week 13 ACC Power Rankings: Virginia Joins The Elites While Miami Rejoins The Rankings

AllHurricanes' Liam Willerup Shares His Weekly Rankings On ACC Men's Basketball

Liam Willerup

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As we head into the 13th week of the college basketball season, the Atlantic Coast Conference is starting to look like its old self with North Carolina, Duke and Virginia at the top of this week's rankings. However, the rest of my Power Eight has seen some changes as teams are losing and gaining form.

Find my updated power rankings below:

#1: North Carolina Tar Heels (17-3, 9-0 ACC)

Last Result: 75-68 Win at Florida State

This marks the fourth consecutive week North Carolina comes in at the number one spot in these rankings, and rightfully so. Not only is RJ Davis the leading scorer in the ACC, but a 30.0 PPG week puts him at 11th in the nation in scoring. Armando Bacot has regressed as of late, but Harrison Ingram has shined as a result. He leads the team in rebounding this month with 12.0 RPG. They'll face Georgia Tech on Tuesday before a marquee home matchup against Duke this weekend.

#2: Duke Blue Devils (15-4, 6-2 ACC)

Last Result: 72-71 Win vs Clemson

While the Blue Devils have been good this year, Saturday's matchup against the Tar Heels will show just how far apart these two teams are. Regardless, Duke bounced back from a home loss against Pitt with a 2-0 week. Despite being a preseason All-American, Kyle Filipowski disappeared against Clemson as the Blue Devils got away with a win. Mark Mitchell's return proved immense with back-to-back double-digit scoring efforts. They'll now head on the road to face Virginia Tech before a measuring stick matchup against North Carolina.

#3: Virginia Cavaliers (15-5, 6-3 ACC)

Last Result: 69-52 Win at Louisville

After a disappointing start to their ACC campaign, the Cavaliers are winners of four straight with a matchup against Notre Dame on Wednesday. A big reason for this turnaround has been the play of duo Reece Beekman and Ryan Dunn. Beekman is averaging 13.8 PPG and 3.5 SPG during this winning streak while Dunn is putting up 10.0 RPG and 3.0 BPG during the stretch as well. A tough stretch of games in February gives them the chance to prove themselves as an NCAA Tournament team.

#4: Syracuse Orange (14-6, 5-4 ACC)

Last Result: 77-65 Win vs NC State

While they did lose badly to Florida State, I pointed out last week that NC State was an opportunity for a big-time win for the Orange. They delivered, and are 9-3 in their last 12 games. Judah Mintz put up a great week, with averages of 24.0 PPG, 6.0 APG and 2.0 SPG across the two games. Barring any changes, a chance for a Quad 1 win at Wake Forest this coming weekend.

#5: Wake Forest Demon Deacons (13-6, 6-3 ACC)

Last Result: 85-64 Loss at North Carolina

Just the one game this week with their loss against North Carolina, the Demon Deacons struggled to contain Davis who scored a career-high. Regardless, they were up one at half against the third-best team in the country. They'll look to bounce back this week with games at Pitt and home versus Syracuse.

#6: Virginia Tech Hokies (13-7, 5-4 ACC)

Last Result: 91-67 Win vs Georgia Tech

I criticized the Hokies last week for their offensive production outside of Sean Pedulla, and it changed around this past week. Pedulla put up a modest 12.5 PPG across their two games while players like Lynn Kidd, Hunter Cattoor, and Mylyjael Poteat stepped up. A tough week on their hands, as the Hokies look to get at least one win with a home matchup against Duke and a road game at Miami.

#7: Florida State Seminoles (12-8, 6-3 ACC)

Last Result: 75-68 Loss vs North Carolina

A big road win at Syracuse followed up by a loss against the Tar Heels, the Seminoles blew a five-point halftime lead to North Carolina with a chance for a major Quad 1 win. Jamir Watkins has been All-ACC caliber in his past six games, putting up 16.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG, and 2.0 SPG. They'll get the week off and be back in action this Saturday with a road matchup against Louisville.

#8: Miami Hurricanes (14-6, 5-4 ACC)

Last Result: 72-68 Win vs Pitt

Miami bounced back from an 0-2 week with a 2-0 week, in large part to Norchad Omier's dominance (25.5 PPG & 10.0 RPG last week). Kyshawn George appears to be the long-term starter now over Bensley Joseph, as the freshman continues to receive buzz as a potential 2024 NBA Draft prospect. Nevertheless, Miami has two quality matchups against NC State and Virginia Tech on the horizon this week.

2023-24 Miami Hurricanes Basketball Schedule

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Liam Willerup
LIAM WILLERUP

You can find Liam on Twitter @theleftyliam where he shares news on University of Miami basketball and football as well as opinions

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