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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9. Louisville Cardinals (6-3)

Last rank: 11th (↑2)

There’s plenty for the Louisville Cardinals and first-year head coach Chris Mack to learn from their road loss to the Indiana Hoosiers. The Cardinals had a lead late in the game, by like many endings, they were unable to hold on, falling to the Hoosiers 68-67. Their three losses this season have come by a combined total of 15 points.

The Hoosiers haven’t lost a game since falling to Duke in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, so it’s no surprise the Cardinals got their best game, they just need to close better. Nine games into the season, two have already gone into overtime and four have been decided by single digits.

Sophomore guard Jordan Nwora continues to excel in his second season, averaging 17.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals per contest. After him though, the scoring load falls dramatically.

They’ll need to get more out of their starters going forward to improve things. The Cardinals are still learning to finish games but these early losses in non-conference play should prove to be a valuable experience come January.