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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Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images /

13. Pittsburgh Panthers (7-3)

Last week: 12th (↓1)

The Pittsburgh Panthers have hit a rough patch in their non-conference schedule across the last four games. They’ve won three of their last four contests after falling to the West Virginia Mountaineers last Saturday, 69-59.

Freshman point guard Xavier Johnson has been the team’s floor general alongside fellow freshman Trey McGowens in the backcourt. Johnson is leading the team in scoring with 16.8 points and 4.9 assists per game as well as 4.1 rebounds per contest. McGowens is right behind him with 11.0 points and 3.1 rebounds per game.

Their guard-heavy attack has been one way to attack their opponent, but it’s also been their biggest weakness. The Panthers have struggled against the likes of West Virginia and they also suffered an ugly loss to the Niagara Purple Eagles at home 71-70 back on Dec. 3.

They turned the ball over 24 times against a stifling Mountaineers defense and will need to show they can take care of the ball going forward. The Panthers have a favorable schedule the rest of the way through December, but they’ll need to execute.