ACC Basketball power rankings: Clemson, NC State and Syracuse rises

ACC Basketball power rankings: Clemson, NC State and Syracuse climb up

Nov 24, 2022; Portland, Oregon, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Kyle Filipowski (30) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the second half against the Oregon State Beavers at Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Duke won the game 54-51. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

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ACC Basketball Cormac Ryan Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

14. Notre Dame Fighting Irish – 9-9 (1-6)

When Notre Dame defeated Michigan State to move to 6-1 on the season, they looked like a team that could actually compete in the ACC. With a roster filled with fifth-year seniors and a top-30 freshman in JJ Starling, this team should be an at-large contender.

Instead, they lost 8 of 10 games, with the lone power conference victory coming in overtime against Georgia Tech. While they both have the same ACC Basketball record, I’m the Fighting Irish below them due to the preseason expectations and talent/coaching.

They’re coming off a 78-73 defeat to Syracuse, with Marcus Hammond leading the team off the bench with 18 points. Forward Nate Laszewski had 14 points and 10 rebounds, with both Trey Wertz and Dane Goodwin also in double figures. The offense was mostly good enough for them to win but they allowed the Orange to shoot 52% from the field.

As expected, this is a team that shoots the ball well but is too reliant on the three-ball to win. And with a defense that’s below average, Notre Dame can’t afford to have any nights off. Two winnable games are up next, with Florida State and Boston College at home. But this team has struggled to a point where you wonder what fight these seniors have left.