ACC basketball: Power Rankings heading into Christmas

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Head Coach Jim Christian of the Boston College Eagles looks to get his team back onto the College Basketball map. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

12. NC State (Last week 9)

The Wolf Pack suffered a double whammy this week. First, the starting point guard who leads the team in assists per game (6.6) Markell Johnson, has been suspended indefinitely for a violation of school policy. This makes the NCAA clearing Braxton Beverly earlier all the more important.

Then came the on the court issues. After hitting 12 three-pointers, UNC-Greensboro came into PNC Arena and beat the Wolf Pack. The Spartans are not a bad team by any means, but middle-of-the-road ACC teams can’t afford to lose games like this.

Johnson’s absence was felt both defensively and in the depth, with both Beverly and Al Freeman playing all 40 minutes. Now at a seven-man rotation, head coach Kevin Keatts can’t afford any more issues for the time being.

11. Boston College 9-3 (1-0) (Last week 11)

The Eagles had two things going against them this week; finals, and playing after the monumental upset to previously top-ranked Duke. But the maturity of this team really showed, with convincing wins over inferior opponents.

The first victory came by 15 points over Columbia, led by Jerome Robinson and Jordan Chatman, with 21 and 20 points respectively. Sunday afternoon’s 84-65 win over Central Connecticut State was a collective effort, with five players reaching double-figures. A home game against Richmond on Saturday awaits.