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College Basketball ACC Power Rankings: Week 11

By Charlie Maikis

Jan 14, 2017; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Mike Brey signals for a play against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the second half at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Mike Brey signals for a play against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the second half at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 21, 2016; Columbia, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers guard Gabe DeVoe (10) and Clemson Tigers center Sidy Djitte (50) and Clemson Tigers forward Jaron Blossomgame (5) and Clemson Tigers guard Marcquise Reed (2) and Clemson Tigers guard Avry Holmes (12) against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Clemson won 62-60. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2016; Columbia, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers guard Gabe DeVoe (10) and Clemson Tigers center Sidy Djitte (50) and Clemson Tigers forward Jaron Blossomgame (5) and Clemson Tigers guard Marcquise Reed (2) and Clemson Tigers guard Avry Holmes (12) against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Clemson won 62-60. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports /
13

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Last week: 10-7, 1-4 ACC
Last rank: 15

While still down at 13th, the Deacs actually moved up from the bottom spot last week. They only played one game last week, where they came back from a 15-point halftime deficit and pushed an elite UNC squad to the brink. All-ACC caliber big man John Collins found himself in foul trouble against the Tar Heels’ massive and talented front line, playing just 20 minutes and netting six points. Their guards more than made up for the slack, though, as Bryant Crawford and Brandon Childress combined for 38 points, out-dueling their counterparts Joel Berry and Kenny Williams. Coming off of back-to-back losses to ranked teams, Wake Forest gets a bit of a reprieve as they get an easier slate of Miami, NC State and Syracuse this week. If Collins can come back strong and produce for them, this should provide Danny Manning’s team with an opportunity to spring up the ACC standings before they continue to get the brutal matchups the ACC provides.

12

Clemson Tigers

Last week: 11-6, 1-4 ACC
Last rank: 8

Coming off close losses to North Carolina and Notre Dame, Clemson looked to get back on track with a trip to Atlanta by beating Georgia Tech. A disappointing loss there put them in a hole as they lost another close game at home to Virginia just two days later. The Tigers’ losses to UNC, Notre Dame and Virginia have come by a combined 12 points, the same margin by which they lost to the Yellow Jackets. If Clemson wants to turn their season around, they’re going to need to find a way to pull out victories in the close ones and play more competitive games in the ones they should win, like against Georgia Tech. Wing Dante Grantham needs to up his level of play as he scored just seven points on 2-12 shooting in the two games this week. Clemson hits the road to face a tough Louisville team next, then start a string of three straight games against unranked competition with Virginia Tech on Sunday. Look for star forward Jaron Blossomgame (20.4 PPG in ACC play) to try and lead the Tigers on a run to get back in the NCAA Tournament picture.