ACC Basketball power rankings: Florida State takes top spot as Duke tumbles

Louisville already had a strong resume, filled with wins over Michigan, Texas Tech, and a season sweep of Miami. Over the Cardinals’ current four-game winning streak, Jordan Nwora is averaging 18.2 points per game, down from his season average of 19.6 points per game. The Cardinals haven’t missed a beat as they have received solid contributions from seniors Dwayne Sutton and Fresh Kimble, and freshman David Johnson.

Johnson had only had single-digit scoring performances this season up until last week. Johnson chipped in 11 points in the OT win over scrappy Pittsburgh and then exploded for 19 points in a truly impressive win over Duke. Johnson shot 66.7% from the field for his 19 points and chipped in four rebounds, seven assists, two blocks, and three steals. Just as impressive as Johnsons’ offensive output—which single-handedly lifted Lousiville to a comfortable lead at the start—was his defensive output, which led to Duke’s two best players combining for eight turnovers.

Dwayne Sutton has scored in double figures in each of the Cardinals last three games and his 13 points in the win against Duke contained an aggressive 7-for-8 showing from the free throw line. Earlier in the season, the main concern with Lousiville was if they were going to get enough in the form of backcourt contributions to back up an impressive front line of Steven Enoch, Sutton, and Nwora. Now we know that Cardinals head coach Chris Mack has enough talent to press the right buttons and get one of Kimble, Johnson, or even Ryan McMahon (44% from 3-point range) to provide the spark needed.

Home matchups with Georgia Tech and Clemson will provide Louisville with a chance to slide into sole possession of first place in the ACC.