Welcome to ACC Corner, Week 3 edition. There wasn’t as much firepower in terms of big games, but there were some crazy finishes nonetheless. The race for the best record is heating up, as four teams have only one loss and two teams have two losses. This week could be big for teams trying to separate from the rest of the pack. With that being said, let’s hand out some awards. As always, feel free to show some love or some hate @LukeTheKid3 on Twitter.
Team of the Week
Louisville
The Cardinals have been one of college basketball’s biggest surprises, and this week they stayed hot in ACC play. It started with a 84-77 home win over No. 21 NC State and finished with a tough 66-51 win over old Big East foe Pitt. Louisville thrives on getting to the free throw line and converting their opportunities there. The Cardinals are now 15-5 overall and 6-1 in ACC play, with their only bad loss this season coming on the road against the aforementioned Pitt. Louisville looks legit, but with matchups against North Carolina, Virginia Tech, and Duke coming up, we’ll be able to tell for sure.
Player of the Week
Justin Robinson (Virginia Tech)
Robinson has had a solid senior year for the Hokies, but this was his best week of the season. In a loss against North Carolina, Robinson had a respectable 17 points on 4-6 shooting, while also hitting 3-4 from deep. But Saturday against Syracuse was where his Player of the Week status was earned. Robinson had a career-high 35 points and shot an eye-popping 9-13 from deep. The remaining 8 points came from the free throw line. In his last two games, Robinson has shot 70.6%, earning him this week’s Player of the Week honors.
Luke’s Losers of the Week
Notre Dame
It’s been a real rough turnaround from football season for the Fighting Irish. They’ve started ACC play 1-6, with their lone win coming against Boston College. The Irish have lost four in a row, with a loss against Georgia Tech and a beatdown at home against Virginia this week. It doesn’t get any easier for the Irish, as they host Duke on Big Monday. They will need a miracle to get back on track.
What 2 Watch 4: Best Games in the Coming Week
#3: No. 12 Virginia Tech at. No. 21 NC State (Saturday, 12 PM ACCN)
This is a big “prove me” game for both teams. NC State squeaked out a comeback win against Clemson, a game in which Clemson did not hit a single three-pointer. Virginia Tech was sliding a bit on my radar, but then came out in a big way against Syracuse on Saturday. Both teams are itching to prove they belong in the conversation with the big boys.
#2: No. 3 Virginia at. No. 21 NC State (Tuesday, 7 PM ESPN2)
Another NC State home feature comes early on in the week. Virginia hasn’t been tested much at all this season besides the Duke game, and NC State gets a shot at the defending ACC champs next. Virginia handled their last road contest handily, beating Notre Dame 82-55. However, NC State will present a much tougher out. The Wolfpack have struggled in conference play, but this could be a huge boost for them.
#1: No. 9 North Carolina at. No. 15 Louisville
Both teams enter the week feeling good about themselves. North Carolina has won three games in a row, while Louisville has won five straight. The two teams met earlier in the month, a game Louisville shocked everyone in and won in blowout fashion, 83-62. Roy Williams and the Heels should be way more prepared this weekend, as the entire country is now on notice of Louisville. Expect a much closer meeting than the first between these two.
Power Rankings (Note: My own personal power rankings, not the standings)
- Duke
- Virginia
- Louisville
- North Carolina
- Virginia Tech
- NC State
- Syracuse
- Florida State
- Georgia Tech
- Boston College
- Pitt
- Clemson
- Wake Forest
- Miami
- Notre Dame
Biggest Jump: Boston College (+5)
Biggest Drop: Notre Dame (-3)