Busting Brackets
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NCAA Basketball Power Rankings: Ole Miss climbs, North Carolina dips

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Kermit Davis of the Mississippi Rebels is seen during the game against the Butler Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse on November 16, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Kermit Davis of the Mississippi Rebels is seen during the game against the Butler Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse on November 16, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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BLACKSBURG, VA – DECEMBER 28: Virginia Tech Hokies head coach Williams celebrates. (Photo by Lauren Rakes/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA – DECEMBER 28: Virginia Tech Hokies head coach Williams celebrates. (Photo by Lauren Rakes/Getty Images) /

7. Virginia Tech Hokies

Record: 14-1 (3-0 ACC)

Last Week: No. 6

Virginia Tech is one of the most intriguing teams in the nation, in my opinion. Unlike most of the other top-10 teams in the nation, the Hokies boast an underrated head coach in Buzz Williams and the entire roster functions so well together that very few players are “household names”. Despite these two factors, though, Va Tech is clearly one of the top teams nationally and a serious contender to win the ACC. Yeah, I said it. The Hokies are playing a ridiculously high level right now thanks to their superbly balanced/efficient offense and opportunistic defense.

Most notably, though, VT’s backcourt of Nickeil Alexander-Walker (17.8 pts/4.1 rebs/3.6 asts) and Justin Robinson (13.1 pts/3.8 rebs/5.8 asts) is one of the toughest duos to match up against in the country. They do an impeccable job controlling the pace of each game they play and dictate the involvement of everyone on the team. Seven total Hokies average more than five points per game and just about everyone is a threat to score from distance.

To this point in the year, one of Virginia Tech’s biggest strengths comes in turnover differential. Statistically, the Hokies rank highly in both offensive (17.2%, 75th) and defensive turnover rate (24.5%, 9th). Additionally, their ability to take care of the ball offensively is extremely impressive given how often they pass the ball. VT records assists on 60.5% of made field goals (24th nationally).

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