ACC basketball: Power Rankings heading into Christmas

8. Virginia Tech 9-2 (Last week 10)

It’s hard to justify a team move up multiple spots after a loss, but the Hokies were one of the most impressive teams in the league this week, even in defeat.

It’s never easy going into Rupp Arena and winning, but Virginia Tech was in control in the first half, including a double-digit lead. The mistake the made was allowing Kentucky to storm out in the early parts of the second half to erase all the momentum achieved earlier. The Hokies always staying within striking range, but the Wildcats, in the end, won the shootout 93-86.

It was a team effort for Tech in this one, with Justin Robinson scoring 19 points and dishing out nine assists. Ahmed Hill led the team with 20, while Kerry Blackshear had 18 points before fouling out. The 19 total turnovers ultimately doomed the Hokies, especially in the second half. The 86 points were actually 10 less than the season average of a team that will put points up all year long.

7. Florida State 9-1 (Last week 6)

The Seminoles suffered their first loss of the season to Oklahoma State by a point. The top two players of the year so far, Terance Mann and Phil Cofer, showed up in a big way. Mann had 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Cofer had a team-high 22.

The problem was the lack of contributions forms the other starters, combining to go 2/14 from the field. Freshman MJ Walker has been underwhelming, to say the least, scoring just two points in 17 minutes. The minutes on the perimeter are up for grabs, yet the former five-star recruit hasn’t been able to get them.