ACC Basketball power rankings: Dukes falls down, NC State and Pittsburgh moves up

3. Pittsburgh Panthers – 18-7 (11-3)

After three straight wins that were by a combined six points, Pittsburgh was looking for a win that finally didn’t come down to the final possession. The perfect opponent came to town in Louisville, who the Panthers had already defeated by 21 points at their place.

The rematch was an even quicker blowout, as Pittsburgh was up by 20 points at the half and extended it to a 91-57 victory. They made 17 three-pointers as a team and had 23 assists on 28 made field goals. Five players were in double figures on the night, led by Nike Sibande with 10 points off the bench.

The game at Florida State was much closer, with Pittsburgh having a lead for 95% of the game but never could push them away until the final minutes. The Panthers were able to avenge their earlier loss to the Seminoles for the 83-75 win, led by 19 points each from Blake Hinson and Jamarius Burton. Sibande had another 12 points off the bench while Federiko Federiko pulled down 13 rebounds, with seven coming on the offensive end.

Pittsburgh has its third five-game win streak on the season and with one more win will have its most victories ever in ACC Basketball play. They’ll look to get that at home against Boston College, followed by a road trip at Virginia Tech.