ACC Basketball: 5 takeaways from the 2018 ACC/Big Ten Challenge

After another year, the ACC/Big Ten Challenge has come to an end. Here’s a look at five takeaways from ACC Basketball’s perspective as the series ended in a 7-7 tie.

For the third time in its history, the ACC/Big Ten Challenge has ended in a tie with each conference winning seven games apiece. This year’s challenge was one of the more competitive ones that have happened in recent years. Nine games in the challenge were decided by five points or less. Three ranked teams lost to unranked foes across conference lines.

As the ACC/Big Ten Challenges comes to a close, there’s a ton to build on if you’re both conferences. From a Big Ten perspective, you’re confident in taking home the Big Ten title if you’re the Michigan Wolverines.

From an ACC perspective, there’s still a ton of work to be done. The Virginia Tech Hokies and Clemson Tigers were two teams that lost out on opportunities to get quality wins. On the bright side though, the Boston College Golden Eagles and Louisville Cardinals learned a ton about themselves as they continue to establish their own identities.

The biggest disappointment in this year’s challenge is the North Carolina Tar Heels. They entered the challenge with a record of 6-0 and came in averaging 97.0 points per game. In the end, they finished with 67 points and a 17-point loss. Head coach Roy Williams will need to make some adjustments going forward if he hopes to keep the Tar Heels atop the ACC.

With teams like the Duke Blue Devils and Virginia Cavaliers lurking, the ACC is set for another strong season of conference play. Here’s a look at five takeaways from the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.