The ACC’s inability to win big games in non-conference matchups doomed any chance of their return to glory. Their collapse in the ACC/SEC challenge was a harbinger of things to come, and they still haven’t lived up to the expectations of a power conference. However, even with all that, it looked like the ACC was destined to get at least five teams into the NCAA Tournament. However, recent slides by Pitt and North Carolina along with untimely upsets completely summarize ACC basketball’s downfall. Duke, Clemson, and Louisville have cemented themselves as tournament teams, but that’s it. So what upsets have doomed the conference so far?
ACC Basketball Downfall Highlighted by Continuous Upsets
Florida State beats Wake Forest 72-70
Wake Forest had all the momentum leading to a home matchup against the Seminoles. While they struggled during the non-conference at times, they had been a formidable opponent. They had three conference losses: the aforementioned Duke, Louisville, and Clemson. The Demon Deacons had it all going for them, leading by double-digits for most of the second half against Florida State. Then, it all turned sideways. The home crowd didn’t motivate them enough. Wake Forest self-destructed and launched themselves further down the totem pole of bubble teams. There is still time, but with a road test at Duke left, they need to be nearly perfect following this bad loss. This was just the most recent example of ACC basketball being doomed by upsets.
Georgia Tech Stuns Louisville and Clemson
Louisville and Clemson certainly have earned their spots in the tournament, but these losses greatly harm the ACC’s reputation. Louisville played on the road but still was a heavy favorite. Clemson fought hard but a home loss to Georgia Tech certainly hurts the resume. Georgia Tech is 13-13 but somehow sits at eighth in the ACC standings. For two of the top three teams to lose to a 13-13 team just solidifies ACC basketball’s downfall. Upsets happen, but top tournament teams shouldn’t lose to such teams. Clemson was at least able to knock off Duke later in the week. However, nothing matters more than the losses. Big wins helped Louisville and Clemson into the tournament discussion, but the bad losses continue to harm everybody.
Virginia Dominates Pitt 73-57
Pitt may be the most direct representation of ACC basketball’s downfall. Pitt has lost some heartbreaking games this season. They lost to Wisconsin by six, Louisville by four, Clemson by three, Wake Forest by two, and North Carolina by one. Those five Quad One (Q1) losses brought Pitt back onto the bubble following a solid start. However, the loss to Virginia set their season back far more. Pitt was a heavy favorite, but they clearly took the game lightly. Pitt fell behind early and never fought back. The Panthers sparked a revival for the Cavaliers, but it’s hardly a consolation prize. Pitt is now firmly off the bubble and would require a nearly perfect end to the season for any hopes of making the tournament. Pitt started the NET rankings fifth. It seems so far away now.
ACC Basketball’s Downfall is So Much More Than Upsets
Upsets have certainly encouraged the discourse on ACC basketball’s downfall. But those losses don’t cover the entire story. The conference was dead before the upsets, but it seems like a nail in the coffin. Coaches are leaving, powerhouses are floundering, and bad teams are getting worse. Nothing seems to be going right for the ACC right now, but what does that mean going forward? Something is off with the ACC. An upset-free Saturday in February is a good start, but it may already be too late.
