THB Staff Picks: ACC Basketball Week of 1/30/17

Last week, the Tar Heels had their winning streak snapped at seven games. It had tied their streak to begin the season. UNC beat Virginia Tech by 20 points last Thursday, but Miami got the best of them on Saturday. Despite the loss, North Carolina sits atop the ACC standings with a 7-2 conference record. Florida State had previously been tied for first place before losing their last two games.

Looking at the week ahead, the Tar Heels should have no trouble on Tuesday against a last-place Pittsburgh team that has just one win in conference play. The no. 14 ranked Notre Dame will put up more of a fight on Saturday, however. UNC will have the benefit of playing two games in Chapel Hill, where they have yet to lose a game in 2016.

Looking around the ACC basketball schedule, Virginia, FSU, Notre Dame, and Louisville are just one game behind in the standings. Notre Dame has the benefit of facing Duke this evening. Virginia will face off against Virginia Tech and Syracuse; Florida State will have to contend against Miami and Clemson; and Louisville gets just one game against Boston College.

If the Tar Heels want to remain in sole possession of first place, they will need to sweep the week.