ACC Men’s Basketball Reduces conference Schedule to Boost NCAA Tournament Chances
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is scaling back its men’s basketball conference schedule from 20 to 18 games, starting with the 2025-26 season. The decision, approved by ACC athletic directors Wednesday, aims to bolster the league’s NCAA Tournament profile after a disappointing showing in the 2024-25 season.
Seeking an NCAA Tournament Edge
The move to a 20-game schedule began in the 2019-20 season but saw some disruptions in 2020-21 because of COVID. According to sources, the reduction comes after lobbying from coaches and athletic directors seeking to improve the conference’s tournament prospects. The ACC only sent four of its 18 teams to the 2025 NCAA Tournament, the lowest percentage (22.2%) as the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985.
Top Programs Push for Change
Several prominent programs, including Duke, advocated for the reduction, hoping to minimize the impact of weaker opponents on their NCAA Tournament resumes. More Quad 3 and Quad 4 games can negatively impact a conference’s chances of securing more NCAA Tournament bids. The ACC expanded to 18 teams last season with the additions of California, Stanford and SMU.
Nonconference Performance Key
Looking ahead, the ACC’s success hinges on improving nonconference performance, even with the reduced league slate.
ACC Basketball Revamps Schedule to Boost NCAA Tournament Bids
Conference aims to strengthen resumes with strategic non-conference matchups.
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is overhauling its men’s basketball schedule, reducing conference games from 20 to 18 and allowing teams to replace two league matchups with non-conference opponents.The move, announced Wednesday, aims to bolster the conference’s NCAA Tournament prospects after several seasons of perceived underperformance.
Strategic Scheduling: ACC’s Plan for NCAA Success
The ACC hopes that by strategically scheduling stronger non-conference games, its teams can improve their resumes and increase their chances of securing coveted at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament. The conference’s non-conference record has been a point of concern, with the ACC posting the worst winning percentage among major conferences last season and struggling against top-100 teams in recent years.
New Conference Slate Details
Beginning in the 2025-26 season, the revised 18-game conference schedule will feature a format consisting of two home-and-home series against fixed opponents, alongside 14 single-game matchups. Each team will face 16 of the other 17 teams in the conference each season, rotating one “zero-play” opponent annually. the schedule aims to maintain competitive balance while providing opportunities for teams to enhance their national standing.
Key Home-and-Home Matchups Announced
The ACC has pre-determined several annual home-and-home series:
- Boston College vs. Notre Dame
- Clemson vs. Georgia Tech
- California vs. Stanford
- Duke vs.North Carolina
- Florida State vs. Miami
- Louisville vs. SMU
- NC State vs. Wake Forest
- Pitt vs. Syracuse
- Virginia Tech vs. Virginia
ACC’s Recent Performance and Future Outlook
The scheduling change comes amid growing concerns about the ACC’s standing in college basketball. Once considered a perennial powerhouse, the conference has seen a decline in overall league strength in recent years, according to metrics such as kenpom. However,the ACC has still produced notable NCAA Tournament runs,including Final Four appearances by North Carolina and Duke in 2022,Miami in 2023 and NC State in 2024.
ACC Increases Conference Basketball Schedule to 20 Games
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) will expand its men’s basketball conference schedule to 20 games, matching the Big Ten and Big East. The change aims to provide more competitive opportunities and strengthen NCAA Tournament resumes.
The ACC joins the SEC and Big 12, which have adopted 18-game conference schedules.the Big Ten and Big East already play 20 conference games. Sources indicate no further changes to Power Five conference scheduling are anticipated for the remainder of the decade.
JavaScript Library Updates Streamline Web Progress
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Improved Data Table Management
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Optimized Video Playback
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Mobile Responsiveness
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CBS Sports Enhances Digital Security and Performance with Technology Updates
CBS Sports has implemented a series of technology updates to bolster security, enhance user experience, and optimize performance across its digital platforms. These updates encompass various aspects of the technology stack, from JavaScript libraries to video players, ensuring a modern and secure environment for sports fans.
Key Technology Updates Implemented
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- HLS.js: Upgraded HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) library for better video playback.
- Video Players (Avia): The Avia video player and its plugins have been updated to version 2.41.0, including improvements to the UI, GAM integration, HLS streaming, and playlist functionality. Additional video related libraries like IMA3, DAI and VAST have been updated for better advertisements and video delivery.
Security Improvements and Fraud Prevention
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Optimized Video Delivery for Enhanced viewing Experience
CBS Sports has rolled out updates to its video player technology. These enhancements contribute to smoother streaming, reduced buffering, and improved overall video quality. The update to HLS.js and Avia video player ensures compatibility with the latest streaming protocols and devices with optimized advertising.
Impact on Users
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Commitment to Continuous Improvement
These updates reflect CBS Sports’ ongoing commitment to providing a best-in-class digital experience for its users. By staying current with the latest technologies and security practices, CBS Sports aims to deliver a reliable, engaging, and secure platform for sports fans worldwide.
Here are two PAA (Perhaps Answered already) related questions, formatted as requested:
ACC Basketball Schedule Changes: Your Questions Answered
Q&A: decoding the ACC’s New Strategy
Q: Why is the ACC reducing its conference schedule from 20 to 18 games?
A: The primary goal is to improve the conference’s chances of getting more teams into the NCAA Tournament. The ACC sent only four teams in the 2025 tournament, a historically low number. Reducing the schedule allows teams to schedule stronger non-conference games, boosting thier tournament resumes.
Q: When does this change take effect?
A: the new 18-game conference schedule begins in the 2025-26 season.
Q: How will the new schedule work?
A: The new format will feature two home-and-home series against fixed opponents and 14 single-game matchups.Each team will face 16 of the other 17 teams, with one “zero-play” opponent rotating annually.
Q: Which teams will have a guaranteed home-and-home series?
A: Some fixed home-and-home series include:
- Boston College vs. Notre dame
- Clemson vs. Georgia Tech
- California vs. Stanford
- Duke vs. North Carolina
- Florida State vs. Miami
- Louisville vs.SMU
- NC State vs. Wake Forest
- Pitt vs. Syracuse
- Virginia Tech vs. virginia
Q: Why is non-conference performance so important?
A: Strong non-conference wins help teams build a more impressive tournament resume,improving their chances of receiving an at-large bid. A good non-conference record can definitely help offset any losses within the conference.
Q: What’s the impact of stronger non-conference scheduling?
A: Strategic non-conference matchups provide opportunities to improve a team’s record against top opponents,thereby increasing their chances of making the NCAA tournament.
Q&A: Behind the Tech Updates at CBS Sports
Q: What’s the core objective of the technology updates at CBS sports?
A: The primary goal is to enhance user experience, amplify security, and streamline overall performance.
Q: What are the key JavaScript libraries that have been updated?
A: The updates include:
- Akamai: For improved content delivery.
- Chartbeat: For enhanced analytics.
- Facebook: For updated social media integration.
- Google APIs: Including AdSense, JavaScript API, and reCAPTCHA for security and functionality.
- HLS.js: For better video playback.
- Avia video player and its plugins: For improvements to the UI, GAM integration, HLS streaming, and playlist functionality.
- IMA3, DAI and VAST: For better advertisements and video delivery.
Q: How does CBS Sports improve security?
A: CBS Sports uses reCAPTCHA to protect against bots and malicious attacks. Regular JavaScript updates also protect against exploits.
Q: how do these updates affect video quality?
A: The updates to HLS.js and the Avia video player aim to provide smoother streaming,reduce buffering,and enhance overall video quality for the best viewing experience.
Q: What can users expect from these updates?
A: Users can anticipate faster loading times, more reliable video streaming, and a more secure browsing experience on CBS Sports platforms.
Q: What is the commitment of CBS Sports regarding technology?
A: CBS Sports is committed to continuous improvement and is keeping up with the latest technologies to deliver a reliable, engaging, and secure platform for sports fans.
Looking to stay ahead of the game? Keep an eye on these changes and how they impact the ACC and your favorite sports content!
