ACC Basketball: 5 key storylines for 2020 ACC/Big Ten Challenge

Mar 2, 2020; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski (right) directs guard Cassius Stanley (2) and forward Matthew Hurt (21) during the second half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Duke won 88-69. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

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ACC Basketball Virginia Cavaliers Trey Murphy III David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Can the ACC get another streak going?

When the ACC/Big Ten Challenge was established in 2007, the ACC won the first 10 meetings. Since winning the first 10 Challenges, things have turned against the ACC the past few seasons. The Big Ten has won three of the last six meetings, which also includes a 7-7 tie back in 2018. This season, ACC Basketball looks to turn the odds in their favor despite recent results.

There are a number of underrated matchups in this year’s challenge that could go in the ACC’s favor. Don’t be surprised if the Louisville Cardinals upend the Wisconsin Badgers or if Boston College Golden Eagles beat the Minnesota Golden Gophers at home.

When looking at the ACC and Big Ten from a national standpoint, four teams from the Big Ten are in the Top 10 of the AP Poll and just one is from the ACC.

Next. Latest top-25 power rankings. dark

In the AP Poll’s Top 25, six teams are represented from the Big Ten and five are from the ACC. So it’s not all bad just yet from the ACC when looking from a bigger point-of-view. Things will need to fall back in the ACC’s favor soon though, or fans could be replacing them as the best basketball conference.