So #UVA isn’t undefeated anymore, they lost to #Duke at home this past Saturday. Don’t be too discouraged though, #UVA is still undefeated on the road so we’ll hang on to that. The #ACC is a very strong conference this season, boasting 5 teams ranked in the top 15 in the country. Out of those 5 teams, 4 of them could very easily win the ACC regular season title.

So, without further adieu…

Louisville (19-3 Overall, 7-2 Conference)

Last 10 games: 8-2

#CardNation has answered the bell as of late. While they’re only 2-3 against ranked opponents, avenging a 1-pt #UNC loss with an overtime victory was much needed. On Tuesday night, they pretty much lead the #Canes the whole game. On Saturday, #CardNation visits #UVA and quote me on this now. On Saturday, at 7 PM, one of the most physical games you’ll ever see in the ACC will be played. If you ask me, they’re the two best defensive teams in the conference as well. If #CardNation can get Montrezl Harrell going as they have the past couple of games, look out. Chris Jones and Terry Rozier are #1 and #2 respectively in steals per game at 2.2 and 2.1 a game. Defense has certainly given #CardNation something to smile about.

Rakeem Christmas

Conference Stats: 19.7 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 2.1 bpg, 1.3 spg,  52.8 % FG

Rakeem Christmas may be one of the best players in the ACC nobody is talking about. Despite #Syracuse’ record, Christmas has remained a model of consistency for the Orangemen. In his last 3 games, he’s averaging  20 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 2.6 bpg. Christmas ranks 3rd in scoring, 5th in rebounding, 2nd in blocks, and 4th in shooting percentage in the conference.

It’s been quite an uncharacteristic season for #Syracuse, but as the season progresses, you have to expect them to wake up soon, particularly with such a consistent scoring and defensive threat like Christmas on the roster. If they can get their guard play together, look for Christmas to lead the Orangemen to some unexpected victories.

Miami (14-8 Overall, 4-5 Conference)

Last 10 Games: 5-5

It feels like that January defeat of #Duke in Cameron was a bit of a fluke. Miami has lost 3 straight conference games, 4 of their last 6 games, including a 20-point home loss to #GaTech, who is currently 1-9 in ACC play. Angel Rodriguez struggled mightily against #CardNation on Tuesday, shooting an abysmal 2-9 from the field, 0-3 from the 3-pt line. The only scorer in double figures for the #Canes Tuesday was Tony Jekiri, who had 10 points to go along with 10 rebounds.

At 7-5 at home and 4-2 on the road, the #Canes may have the whole “Home Court Advantage” theme moving in the wrong direction. Their remaining schedule is a favorable one so I would say yes, but a few more head scratching home losses could have the #Canes NIT bound sooner rather than later. Let’s hope the #Canes can turn it around.

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