ACC Basketball: Virginia rise, Florida State and Clemson falls in latest power ranking

10. Syracuse Orange - 14-8 (5-6)

The Orange has shown flashes of great potential in ACC Basketball play, especially whenever the defense is clicking. But when it’s not, they’ve been very easy to beat. They’ve lost 3 of the last 4 games, including a road setback to Boston College. Just recently, they gave up 99 points in a loss to Wake Forest.

Judah Mintz (18.2 ppg) has been a double-digit scorer in all but one D-I game, while the supporting cast has had its ups and downs. Notre Dame transfer JJ Starling has seen his production dip compared to last year, while Quadir Copeland has been a breakout contributor of sorts, including a 22-point game in a home win over Pittsburgh.

The resume for the Orange consists of a sweep over rival Pittsburgh, along with Miami and NC State. But the recent skid, and how non-competitive they were at times, give great concern to what the next few weeks will hold for them.

Up next is simply a “must-win” week for Syracuse. They have Louisville at home, followed by a battle with Clemson. Anything other than a sweep likely has them out of the bubble picture altogether.