NET Rankings: Tuesday’s Biggest Risers and Fallers

An action-packed Tuesday in college hoops sent some major shockwaves through the NET rankings. A heavy dose of transfer star power influenced these matchups. TPR dives into three outcomes that greatly impacted the rankings.

Pittsburgh @ Wake Forest

The Demon Deacons secured a huge Quad 2 win behind the transfer trio of Sallis, Miller, and Reid III. Wake topped Jeff Capel and the Pitt Panthers in dominating fashion, 91-58. A horrid shooting night for Pittsburgh sealed their fate. Meanwhile, the Deacs shot lights out from the floor at just over 60%. Wake Forest shot up the NET rankings from 40 to 26, and unfortunately for Pitt, they plummeted from 47 to 56.

A barrage of scoring from the forementioned transfer stars has started to become a common occurrence for Wake. Last night, all three went for double digits while shooting over 50% from the floor. Leading scorer Hunter Sallis scored 17 with zero misses from deep or at the line. Wake’s 14-point rise in the NET rankings last night ranked second to only Western Michigan’s 15 spot increase.

For Pitt, Tuesday’s performance needs to be put in the rearview mirror immediately. Pittsburgh’s 58 points Tuesday night tied for their third lowest total of the season. Panthers starters shot 26% (12-46) from the field.

However, Pitt’s chances at the tournament still hinge on the remainder of the season. Despite the brutal loss, Joe Lunardi still has the Panthers on the bubble. Pittsburgh’s last spot on the next four out list depicts a bleak outlook for Panthers fans, yet they are still very much in the running for the Big Dance.

Transfer stud Blake Hinson led Pitt to a huge Quad 1 win at No.7 Duke. Hinson dropped 24 on 8-10 from the floor and added eight boards. True freshman Jaland Lowe nailed a dagger triple, much to the dismay of the screaming ‘Cameron Crazies’ looking on. In addition, Pittsburgh took down Virginia on the road, earning themselves another Quad 1 victory. Hinson uncorked again, going for 27 and a second ranked road win.

Every game from this point forward could not be more critical with just five contests remaining apiece. For Wake, a second chance at Duke and a potential home victory over the Blue Devils could vault them onto the right side of the bubble. For Pitt, a Quad 1 win over Clemson and two more Quad 2 wins over VT and at BC give them the best shot.

Expect a tight finish and a possible ACC tournament rematch between these two squads with near identical conference records. A clash in the conference tournament could determine who goes to March. Be sure to keep a close eye on Pitt and Wake as the season nears the home stretch.