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Bracketology 2021: Duke, Missouri and Xavier among week’s winners and losers

By Tristan Freeman

Nov 29, 2020; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari talks with an official during the first half against the Richmond Spiders at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2020; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari talks with an official during the first half against the Richmond Spiders at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bracketology Yves Pons Tennessee Volunteers (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Winner – Tennessee Volunteers

Due to covid-related issues on the roster, the Vols were the last preseason ranked team to even play a game this season, leaving them behind the proverbial eight-ball. But they were finally able to get on the court with a pair of solid opponents in Colorado and Cincinnati, two top-tier teams in both the Pac-12 and ACC.

Tennessee was able to win them both despite the rust, thanks to a good defensive effort in both games. Their offensive is still a work in progress overall but unlike several other teams in the SEC so far, the Vols are already on the right track. And with three “easy” games on the current schedule before the start of league play, look for them to enter the new year without a loss and two wins that should look fairly strong by March.

Loser – Duke Blue Devils

There was a lot of talk concerning what Coach K said regarding playing the season in general and whether it was worth it or not. Setting that aside, Duke lost this week at home to the Illinois Fighting Illini before opting not to play Gardner-Webb and focus solely on ACC play, starting with Notre Dame next week.

It’s not the biggest deal but that means that the Blue Devils will finish the non-conference without a single win of importance, which will come back to haunt them on Selection Sunday in March. They’ll have to have several big wins in ACC play if they’re going to warrant a top-4 seed, which based on how they’ve been playing, could be doubtful.

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