ACC Basketball Power Rankings: Miami, Clemson falls after tough losses

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - DECEMBER 09: Kihei Clark #0 of the Virginia Cavaliers drives past Marcus Evans #2 of the VCU Rams in the second half during a game at John Paul Jones Arena on December 9, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

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7. NC State Wolfpack (8-1)

Last week: 10th (↑3)

The NC State Wolfpack could be considered a sleeper team in the ACC, at least for now. With an 8-1 record, the Wolfpack are another one-less squad with a tough loss in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

They lost to the Wisconsin Badgers, 79-75, on the road but bounced back with an 80-65 victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores then followed that up with their third 100-point game as a team with a 100-67 win over the Western Carolina Catamounts.

Three of their starters are averaging double figures in scoring so far this season. Senior guard Torin Dorn is leading the way with 16.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game. Junior guard Markell Johnson is averaging 12.2 points and 4.2 assists per game.

Junior C.J. Bryce, a transfer from UNC-Wilmington, is having a solid season, producing 12.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per contest. He averaged 17.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 2016-17 while at UNC-Wilmington.

With just two juniors and a senior in the starting lineup, the Wolfpack have some talent gaining valuable experience in the rotation. Sophomore guard Devon Daniels is producing 9.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. Freshman Jericole Hellems is averaging 8.1 points and 3.1 rebounds per game off the bench. Depth shouldn’t be an issue for them this season, which is what makes them such a solid squad.