ACC Basketball Power Rankings: Duke Blue Devils gelling at the right time

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 10: Teammates Jordan Goldwire #14, Wendell Moore Jr. #0 and Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils react after a play against the Florida State Seminoles during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 10, 2020 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – JANUARY 28: M.J. Walker #23 of the the Florida State Seminoles (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

2. Florida State Seminoles (21-4)(11-3 ACC)

The Seminoles have been one of the surprise success stories this season, though perhaps a Leonard Hamilton coached team outperforming expectations should no longer be a shock to us. The Seminoles knocked off Miami (FL) with a dominant team-first effort, featuring 13 different Seminoles scoring in the game. Patrick Williams led the way with 14 points against Miami.

Florida State fell by five points to Duke. They got up 15 more field goal attempts than the Blue Devils, 6 more offensive rebounds, 10 more steals, and 2 more blocks. They outworked Duke for the most part but couldn’t keep up with a +2 free throw advantage and 41.2% 3-point shooting from the Blue Devils. Duke showed Florida State why they are in first place in the ACC but the Seminoles have a chance to maneuver into first place if their defense holds up down the stretch of the season.

If the Seminoles can close the season strong, including a win over Louisville on February 24th, they can make a strong case for a No. 1 seed as the ACC champion with over 10 combined Quad 1 + Quad 2 wins.