Box score

Sure, it was ugly.  Sloppy.  Scrappy.  Neither team shot over 30% for the game.  Double technicals.  But it's a win, and an end to the Lady Tar Heels' losing streak in the previous 12 games against Duke.  Big performances from the seniors La'Tangela Atkinson (12 pts, 10 rebounds), Nikita Bell (12 pts, 7 rebounds, 5 steals), and Leah Metcalf (8 pts, 3 rebounds), who might have had the drive of the game in the clutch.  Ivory Latta led all scorers with 13 points, but she didn't shoot particularly well.  Carolina's surge toward the end of the first half, with several steals and fast breaks in a row, set the tone for the game:  They were going to defend home court.  And they did.  For the first time in the program's history, the Lady Tar Heels knocked off the #1 team in the nation.  What a foundation to build on.

Ivory Latta and Sylvia Hatchell's Tar Heels take on Gail Goestenkors and #1 Duke tonight at the Smith Center at 7:30.  Carolina has dropped the last 12 to Duke and is 0-19 all-time against top-ranked teams.  It's time to change history.  The Lady Heels are coming off a tough road loss at Florida State, and need a warm welcome at the Dean Dome.  Last year, the lower level of the Smith Center was almost full for this game, and the Tar Heels gave a valiant effort.  Come support your ladies.  They are a fun team to watch, and are due.

Why not?  After 5-6 conference games for each team, I thought I'd put together some power rankings.  I'm just as qualified as anyone, right?  This is, of course, not, how I think things will shake out by March 6, just a picture of where things are right now.  But it appears that there is the top three, and then a big drop-off.

1.  Duke (5-0,15-0).  As much as I hate to do it, the schedule has been in their favor at this point.  They will not play any true non-conference road games this season, and I don't know how 'ready' you can get for the opening round of the NCAA Tournament by playing the Toledos of the world at home.  Since conference play began, they've beaten State, Florida State (something Wake wasn't able to do), and Miami (something State wasn't able to do) on the road.  Their first real test of the season is February 2nd, when they travel to Wake Forest.  Up next:  Maryland at home on Wednesday.

2.  Wake Forest (4-1,16-2).  The Florida State hiccup notwithstanding, this team has looked solid, getting great guard play and good post play.  Beating Carolina in the only head-to-head was huge.  Up next:  @ Georgia Tech on Thursday.

3.  North Carolina (5-1,16-2).  Huge home wins over Maryland and Georgia Tech suddenly don't look so amazing.  And here I thought we won those games so big because we were that good, not because those teams were that bad.  The Heels took out an upset-minded Miami team without their A game on Saturday.  Up next:  Just the kind of game that an unfocused team can drop, @ Virginia Saturday.

4.  Virginia Tech (3-2,10-6).  The only other team with a conference record above .500, the Hokies have come into the ACC with a bang.  Everyone assumed they'd be the conference doormat, yet they've been the only team able to win at Georgia Tech thus far.  Next, Thursday vs. Virginia.

5.  Georgia Tech (11-5,2-3).  I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt, because they've played a lot without B.J. Elder lately.  But they have just  looked uneasy in conference play, dropping winnable (even without Elder) games like VT at home.  Next, Thursday vs. Wake Forest.

6.  Miami (3-3,12-5).  The Hurricanes have beaten some good teams, and played better teams close.  They, like the Hokies, are an early surprise.  Next, Wednesday vs. Clemson.

7.  N.C. State (2-3,12-6).  Ah, the mercurial Wolfpack.  Winning at Maryland looks great, until you look at the Terps' conference record.  The jury is still out on State, but, if they don't run the table at home, they could miss the tournament.  I keep waiting for State to get their momentum and start winning games against good teams.  Better start now.  Next, Wednesday vs. Florida State.

8.  Florida State (2-4,10-9).  A solid home win against a great Wake Forest team, followed by a pitiful second-half effort against the Blue Devils.  Someone resting on their laurels?  Could be 5-1 in conference, losing by two to Maryland, Clemson, and by one to Miami.  Still a chance to make a run, but they too will have to defend home court.  Next, @ N.C. State on Wednesday.

9.  Maryland (2-3, 11-5).  This team is imploding.  They absolutely could not afford to drop the game at home against N.C. State, and now they have 3 of 4 on the road.  It only gets tougher for the Terps, who will miss the tournament this year.  Next, @ Duke on Wednesday.

10.  Virginia (1-5,10-6)  Because they beat Clemson.  By two.  Next, Thursday @ Virginia Tech.

11.  Clemson (1-5,10-8)  Because they lost at Virginia.  By two.  Next, Thursday, at Miami.

So there you have it, the ACC Power Rankings as of Monday, January 24th.  Read.  Recap.  React.