NCAA Basketball: Ranking the matchups for 2022 ACC/Big Ten Challenge

NCAA Basketball: Ranking the 14 matchups for 2022 ACC/Big Ten Challenge

Nov 27, 2012; Winston Salem, NC, USA A general view of the ACC Big Ten challenge logo on the floor prior to the game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

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ACC/Big Ten Challenge Virginia Tech Hokies forward Justyn Mutts Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Maryland at Louisville

It’s a battle of new head coaches in Kenny Payne (Louisville) and Kevin Willard (Maryland) and a couple of revamped rosters. There isn’t a lot of individual starpower in this game, with El Ellis and Sydney Curry leading the way for the Cardinals against Donta Scott and Jahmir Young of the Terrapins.

There’s going to be some intrigue into how these new eras work out, especially with Louisville. Their roster currently has just one true guard (Ellis) so how the lineups will work out is going to be interesting in itself. But that’s a season-long storyline and not enough to make this game a “must watch” for next season.

9. Minnesota at Virginia Tech

The Hokies are coming off another NCAA Tournament trip on the back of Keve Aluma but he’s now a pro. But Justyn Mutts is back in the frontcourt, joined by offensive force and Wright State transfer Grant Basile. The backcourt will be an interesting storyline, as Hunter Catoor and Sean Pedulla now have the keys to the offense. But will they be ready?

Minnesota loses most of its rotation from last season but brings back its best player in Jamison Battle. He’s joined by UNC transfer Dawson Garcia, who had star potential as a freshman at Marquette but struggled on and off the court with the Tar Heels. How the new backcourt works will ultimately depend on how good the Gophers are but they should be good enough to give the Hokies a game, one they shouldn’t want to lose for Bracketology purposes.

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