NCAA Basketball top 25 rankings: Gonzaga, Providence rise, Alabama falls
By Joey Loose
2. Duke (10-1)
The last time we saw the Blue Devils was nearly two weeks ago, as the #1 team in the nation suffered a tough loss at Ohio State just a few days after upending Gonzaga. This week, the Blue Devils got back in the winning column with three easy games on the home court. Duke scored a 103-62 win over South Carolina State on Tuesday before a 92-67 win over Appalachian State on Thursday. After COVID issues forced them to change opponents twice, they scored their third win Saturday in an 87-56 victory over Elon.
The play of Wendell Moore Jr. and Paolo Banchero was excellent all week, while the Blue Devils got themselves back on track against inferior foes. From what we’ve seen this season, it’s fair to wonder if there is another real challenger to the Blue Devils in the ACC, as the conference has looked pretty bleak as a whole. We’ll get to find out pretty soon, as the Blue Devils begin ACC play against Virginia Tech this coming Wednesday.
It’s unfair to expect Duke to win all of their conference games, but they certainly look like the heavy favorite in the ACC. When at their best, this Blue Devils team can and will hang with any team in the nation, and they’ve got the young talent for these matchups. In Coach K’s final campaign, can the Blue Devils bring home a sixth national title? They certainly look like a favorite.