ACC Basketball: Duke falls, North Carolina rises in latest power rankings

ACC Basketball: Duke falls flat, North Carolina rises in latest power rankings

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 02: Caleb Love #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts following a play during the first half of their game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Dean Smith Center on January 02, 2021 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

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ACC Basketball Virginia Tech Hokies Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Louisville Cardinals (11-4, 6-3)

The Cardinals have played just one game in the month of February, as they’re in the middle of a “pause”. Their next scheduled game is on Wednesday at home against Syracuse, a team that could desperately use a win over the Cardinals.

The good news for the program is that they’re safely in the projected field of 68. But they need to be careful with the tough remaining schedule, featuring Virginia, Virginia Tech, Duke, North Carolina, and a hot Notre Dame squad. We’ll see how the long absence will affect this team, as well as if center Malik Williams will possibly make his return.

3. Virginia Tech Hokies (14-4, 8-3)

The overachieving Hokies got another big accomplishment of the season, being the lone team in the ACC to beat Virginia. They’ve now won 6 of 8 games, with road losses at both Syracuse and Pittsburgh that were largely due to second-half three-point barrages by the opponents. The good news is that Keve Aluma has been back on a tear and forward Justyn Mutts has been impressive as of late too.

If Tyrece Radford (suspension) can come back in the next couple of weeks, Virginia Tech could make a potential run at the ACC title, since they have the tiebreaker over the rival Cavaliers. They’ll have to finish this road trip up strong next week, as they take on both Florida State and North Carolina.