Power Rankings- February 14th

1. Duke- One of the best wins in the most storied rivalry in college basketball helped, but a very convincing, and most importantly, defensive win over Maryland was what propels the Blue Devils to the top. Austin Rivers is now in command of this team, and if Miles Plumlee can follow the footsteps of Brian Zoubek in 2010 this could be another deep run for Duke. Look for Seth Curry to continue asserting himself as the scorer his brother and father were.

2. North Carolina- The win over Virginia was a great rebound victory for Carolina. Tyler Zeller continues to make his case for player of the year while their four future first round picks could all land a spot on the all-conference team. Things do not necessarily get easier for the Tar Heels, however, as a trip to Miami this week looms, with down the road contests at Virginia and Duke are on the horizon.

3. Florida State- Everyone figured a slip up like the one the Seminoles got at Boston College was coming but they all still forget that Florida State is in control of their own destiny, holding the tie break over Carolina and Duke. While Bernard James is continuing to assert himself as one of the best bigs in the conference, their defense remains the key. A win at NC State this weekend would go far for the Seminoles confidence.

4. Virginia- Virginia continues to win the games they are supposed to and lose the ones they are supposed to. An easy strength of schedule out of conference is the downfall for the Cavaliers seeding come March but a number of key games remain. If they can do what they are supposed to and beat Clemson and Maryland this week, upcoming games at home versus UNC and Florida State are going to be huge.

5. NC State- The Wolfpack avoided an embarassing sweep by Georgia Tech by beating the Yellow Jackets on the road this past week. While the win was anything but punctuating it kept NC State alive for a NCAA bid. A big three straight games versus the top three teams in the ACC is next for NC State, and if the Wolfpack cannot come away with one, if not two, victories their chances continue to diminish. Look for CJ Leslie to start taking over.

6. Miami- Reggie Johnson came out flat against Florida State, scoring just 4 points while grabbing 6 rebounds, proving that the Hurricanes go as he goes. A win at home versus North Carolina this week would certainly help solidify their NCAA chances. Dexter Strickland scored a season high on the Canes last time, and he is not there for Carolina this go around. Look for Shane Larkin to continue his hot defensive streak against Kendall Marshall and watch for an interesting inside matchup between Johnson and Zeller.

7. Maryland- Maryland is fading, and looks all but set for an NIT bid, unless they pull a miracle in the ACC tournament. While Terrell Stoglin has all but locked up a spot on the all-conference team, he was shut down by a suspect Duke defense when he was not getting the ball from point guard Pe'Shon Howard. Maryland still plays Virginia twice and goes to Chapel Hill. A victory in one of those matchups would certainly provide the confidence the rest of the Terps need.

8. Clemson- Clemson looked great against a terrible Wake Forest team this week, but not so good in a loss to Maryland. Clemson (12-12, 4-6) would love to finish above .500 this season, but is going to have to beat a top five ACC team to do so. The offense remains the problem, and if Milton Jennings can start capitalizing on his talent, it could turn this team for the better. If the standings stood as they are today, Clemson would get an interesting draw in the ACC tournament, facing Virginia Tech in a play-in game, followed by a matchup with Florida State.

9. Virginia Tech- The Hokies beat Boston College by one at home this week. Hardly something to brag about, but it pushes them past the Eagles in this week's rankings. Erick Green should be looked at for a potential spot on an all-conference team and Dorian Finney-Smith has all but locked up a spot as an all-freshman team performer. That is about all there is going for Tech right now. Seth Greenberg has been told his job is safe, but without a strong finish, it may be in jeopardy.

10. Boston College- The Eagles pulled the unexpected by beating the hottest team in the league in Florida State this week. A great win that was expected to boost this team was drained in a loss to lowly Virginia Tech. Ryan Anderson remains the future of this team, and a win when Duke comes to town is a tall task, but one that could propel this team.

11. Georgia Tech- The battle for this 11 spot on the rankings is set for this week, as the Yellow Jackets travel to Winston-Salem for a matchup with Wake Forest. Georgia Tech continues to dissapoint but the future remains bright. With the easiest remaining schedule in the conference, look for Georgia Tech to make moves in the standings, while giving themselves momentum into next season.

12. Wake Forest- Two losses by a combined 44 points this week proved to the ACC world that the Deacons have hit a new low. Wake should consider it a victory to finish the season 2-3 and win itself some momentum with a victory in the ACC tournament. CJ Harris should be able to sneak on to an all-conference team, but don't count on it just yet.