Busting Brackets
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ACC Basketball: Duke clear ahead, Pitt dead last in latest power rankings

By Tristan Freeman

Nov 26, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Trevor Keels (1) applauds as Duke Blue Devils forward Wendell Moore Jr. (0) is named Most Valuable Player of the Continental Tire Challenge after the Blue Devils defeated the Gonzaga Bulldogs 84-81 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Trevor Keels (1) applauds as Duke Blue Devils forward Wendell Moore Jr. (0) is named Most Valuable Player of the Continental Tire Challenge after the Blue Devils defeated the Gonzaga Bulldogs 84-81 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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ACC Basketball
ACC Basketball Virginia Tech Hokies forward Justyn Mutts Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

447. . 6-2. . Hokies . 3. team

The Hokies took a step back in the past week, losing to both Memphis and Xavier back-to-back in close battles. They did make a comeback to beat Maryland in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge recently but the Terrapins have some problems of their own, making that win not as impressive.

What’s holding Virginia Tech up fairly high is that they haven’t done anything to make me think they aren’t a top-5 team in the ACC. Keve Aluma (13.1 ppg and 6.3 rpg) isn’t scoring as much but still has been good on both ends, while forward Justyn Mutts (9.0 ppg and 3.0 apg) has been arguably the team’s best all-around player so far.

No one else on the roster is averaging in double figures outside of Nahiem Alleyne (12.5 ppg), including Wofford grad transfer Storm Muprhy (7.4 ppg). The senior point guard hasn’t been scoring that much but he, Sean Pedulla, and Hunter Catoor collectively are solid ball-handlers. Not having replaced outgoing transfer, Tyrece Radford, in the backcourt may be their biggest issue all season to deal with.

Yet if Virginia Tech’s defense remains strong overall (2nd nationally at 53.4 ppg allowed), they’ll be in a position to beat anyone in the ACC. Some scoring issues will be around if Aluma isn’t playing at a high level but for now, the Hokies issues aren’t nearly as concerning as the rest of the league.