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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15. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (5-3)

Last week: 15th (↔)

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons and head coach Danny Manning are having an interesting time so far in 2018-19. The Demon Deacons lost toe the Richmond Spiders, 84-74, on the road to kick off the month of December, adding yet another loss to a non-Power-5 team to their season’s resume.

The Demon Deacons did bounce back this past Thursday with an 80-56 victory over the Charlotte 49ers but things may need to change before ACC play arrives or it could be another long season for Manning and company.

Freshman Jaylen Hoard has delivered as their biggest asset of the season. He is averaging 15.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per game but defensively, they’ve left a lot to be desired.

They’re allowing 73.3 points per game as a team, second to last in the conference behind the North Carolina Tar Heels. Wake Forest will need to improve mightily on the defensive end if they hope to find wins in conference play or it could be a long season for them.