ACC Basketball Power Rankings: UVA back on top, Hokies back in Top 5

ACC Basketball Power Rankings: UVA back on top, Hokies back in top 5

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - FEBRUARY 27: Mamadi Diakite #25 and the Virginia Cavaliers bench cheers in the second half during a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at John Paul Jones Arena on February 27, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images /

11. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (11-16) (4-11 ACC)

Last rank: 14th (↑3)

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons have made quite the rise in the ranks in recent weeks. They have had an improbable positive run in recent games in ACC play. They’ve won two of their last three games with big wins over the Miami Hurricanes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish to come in at 4-11 in conference action.

The Demon Deacons have turned things around slightly thanks to the elevated play of a few. Sophomore guard Chaundee Brown put up his first double-double of the season with 21 points and 14 rebounds in a 66-65 win over Miami on Tuesday. Brandon Childress’ 3-pointer with 25.2 seconds left in the game gave them the final lead when they needed it most.

Childress was the unsung hero as well in their 78-65 victory over Notre Dame on Feb. 19 with a near triple-double. He put up 20 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in the victory.

Guys are stepping up for Wake Forest as the regular season conference schedule is coming to a close. They have an opportunity to finish strong and potentially save Danny Manning’s job. They’ll host the Syracuse Orange on Saturday then on Monday, they’re on the road against Duke.