ACC Basketball: Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh rises in latest power rankings

6. Clemson Tigers (9-3, 3-3)

Clemson had one of the top-scoring defenses in the country, until allowing 85 and 83 points respectively in blowout losses to Georgia Tech and Virginia. They could’ve lost four straight had the ball bounced differently in close wins over Miami and NC State too. The Tigers went from being in the driver’s seat of the ACC to the middle of the pack, with serious questions going forward.

The upcoming game at Florida State will be huge for the Tigers, along with future matchups against Duke and North Carolina. Clemson’s offense isn’t going to get much better but if the defense doesn’t get back into elite status, they’ll be in danger of ending up in the bottom half of the standings.

5. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (7-3, 3-1)

Due to covid-related pauses, the Yellow Jackets have only played twice this month. But they both were wins, including an 18-point beatdown over Clemson. It’s now five wins in a row, although they haven’t had a road game since December 15. That’ll change in the next week, facing off against Duke and Virginia.

The trio of Moses Wright, Jose Alvarado, and Michael Devoe are each playing at an All-ACC level, averaging at least 15 ppg. The schedule has been to their benefit so far but assuming that they can play their next set of opponents, we’ll have a really good look as to whether they’re an NCAA Tournament team or not.