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College Basketball ACC Power Rankings: Week 13

By Charlie Maikis

Jan 21, 2017; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard London Perrantes (32) dribbles the ball as Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets guard Josh Heath (11) defends during the second half at John Paul Jones Arena. The Cavaliers won 62-49. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard London Perrantes (32) dribbles the ball as Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets guard Josh Heath (11) defends during the second half at John Paul Jones Arena. The Cavaliers won 62-49. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 7, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) celebrates with guard Matt Jones (13) in the closing seconds of the second half of their game against the Boston College Eagles at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) celebrates with guard Matt Jones (13) in the closing seconds of the second half of their game against the Boston College Eagles at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
9

Duke Blue Devils

Last week: 17-5, 5-4 ACC
Last rank: 9

Duke’s up-and-down conference play continued this week as they picked up key road wins over Wake Forest and Notre Dame. The Wake Forest win was a little too close for comfort as it took a Luke Kennard 3-pointer with seven seconds left to lift them to a two-point win. The win over Notre Dame was much more convincing. It marked the first time Duke committed to playing Jason Tatum as a small-ball power forward, and it worked like a charm. Tatum put up 19 points and 14 boards, whether that meant bullying VJ Beachem or blowing by Bonzie Colson to get to the rim. The defense was much better as well as it held the Irish’s high-octane offense to just 43 percent shooting on the night. They only play Pittsburgh this week in a nationally televised game on Saturday. It should be a good opportunity to show the country that this team with an incredibly high ceiling has turned the corner for good.

8

Miami Hurricanes

Last week: 14-6, 4-4 ACC
Last rank: 13

Coming off the big blown lead against Duke, Miami desperately needed to find some momentum to turn them around. They found it as they edged Boston College in a tight game, then rode the wave and took down North Carolina by 15 just a few days later. Bruce Brown continues to play well and is one of the most overlooked true freshman in the nation. He poured in 30 points against the Tar Heels and averaged 5 rebounds and 4.5 assists in their two games last week.

Production like that next to reliable veterans Davon Reed and Ja’Quan Newton could make the Canes a dangerous team to face if they make it into the NCAA Tournament. They start their week with a huge in-state rivalry game at home against No. 15 Florida State, then take a weekend trip to NC State. The battle between freshman guards Dennis Smith Jr. and Brown should make for appointment viewing.