ACC Basketball rankings: Duke, NC State rises, Pittsburgh, Clemson drops

ACC Basketball power rankings: Duke, NC State rises, Pittsburgh and Clemson drops

RALEIGH, NC - FEBRUARY 19: Jarkel Joiner #1 of the NC State Wolfpack reacts following a basket during the second half of their game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at PNC Arena on February 19, 2023 in Raleigh, North Carolina. NC State won 77-69. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

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ACC Basketball Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Mike Brey Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Notre Dame Fighting Irish – 10-17 (2-14)

Like Louisville, Notre Dame is also a team that has been playing more competitively as of late. In the past four games (3 on the road), the Irish have lost all by a combined 14 points. The past two were on the road at arguably the toughest opponents in the ACC in Duke and Virginia.

The Blue Devils were up first, a game that Notre Dame was trailing throughout but still managed to stay in the mix until the final minutes. They just couldn’t get the upset, falling 68-64. Dane Goodwin went off for 25 points off the bench on a very efficient 11/13 shooting from the field. No one else had more than 10 points though, with the entire starting lineup combining to score 37 points.

The Virginia matchup went just about the same way, with the Fighting Irish always staying within range. They had a shot to win the game at the end with the 3 but it went awry, losing 57-55. Nate Laszewski had 18 points and eight rebounds, while Goodwin had 12 off the bench. It was one of the best defensive performances of the season for them and if they keep playing at this level, could get a win soon.

Notre Dame has a chance to eliminate one of the next two bubble teams they play next, starting with North Carolina at home. After that is Wake Forest on the road.