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College Basketball ACC Power Rankings: Week 14

By Charlie Maikis

Feb 6, 2017; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Louisville Cardinals forward V.J. King (0) shoots the ball over Virginia Cavaliers guard Devon Hall (0) in the first half at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2017; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Louisville Cardinals forward V.J. King (0) shoots the ball over Virginia Cavaliers guard Devon Hall (0) in the first half at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 9, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard Dwayne Bacon (4) shoots the ball as Virginia Tech Hokies forward Kerry Blackshear Jr. (24) defends in the first half during day two of the ACC conference tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard Dwayne Bacon (4) shoots the ball as Virginia Tech Hokies forward Kerry Blackshear Jr. (24) defends in the first half during day two of the ACC conference tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
5

Florida State Seminoles

Last week: 20-4, 8-3 ACC
Last rank: 7

The Seminoles got back on the winning track this week with blowouts over Miami and Clemson after dropping two straight bad ones. They looked comfortable throughout both games, as they won then by a combined margin of 66 points. They got balanced contributions against Miami, with four starters scoring in double digits. Against Clemson, star Dwayne Bacon got hot with 18 points in the first 15 minutes and led the way throughout as he finished by tying his career-high with 29 points on 10-14 shooting. Their defense was the star in both matchups, however, as they forced the two teams into a combined 36 turnovers. They play just one ranked team the rest of the way as they have an excellent chance to gain some serious momentum heading into the postseason. This week they play struggling NC State and Notre Dame teams, and if they keep up their recent form they will have a great chance to win both.

4

Syracuse Orange

Last week: 15-9, 7-4 ACC
Last rank: 5

Is anyone doubting Syracuse now? They have won four straight including two over top ten Florida State and Virginia teams. Their new pieces are finally starting to mesh together and they’ve got momentum on their side. Transfer John Gillon (43 points, 9 assists, 10-13 FGs, 9-10 3PT) lead the way to surviving Dennis Smith Jr.’s monster game for NC State. Fellow transfer Andrew White III added 28 against NC State and 23 in the win over Virginia. Freshman Tyus Battle chipped in 23 as well against the Hoos. All of this is without mentioning potential lottery pick Tyler Lydon, and with all that talent clicking, the Orange are a dangerous team going forward. They played at Clemson Tuesday night before this was written and then get Pittsburgh and Louisville later in the week. Picking up wins over lowly Clemson and Pitt will set the stage for a big-time showdown against a top-five Louisville team in the Carrier Dome.