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NCAA Basketball: Duke, Illinois, and Virginia tumble in latest top 25 power ranking

By Tristan Freeman

Dec 10, 2022; Coral Gables, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Isaiah Wong (2) controls the ball against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the second half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2022; Coral Gables, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Isaiah Wong (2) controls the ball against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the second half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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NCAA Basketball Wake Forest Demon Deacons guard Cameron Hildreth (2) drives around Duke Blue Devils center Kyle Filipowski William Howard-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Basketball Wake Forest Demon Deacons guard Cameron Hildreth (2) drives around Duke Blue Devils center Kyle Filipowski William Howard-USA TODAY Sports /

18. Duke Blue Devils

Duke is one of the few programs that rarely ever play true road games in the non-conference unless the ACC/Big Ten Challenge forces its hands. That was the case this season, with a road matchup at Wake Forest last week being the first for this young roster. Making matters more difficult was the absence of both Dariq Whitehead and Dereck Lively due to illnesses.

The Demon Deacons, who were desperate for this kind of win, took advantage to pull off the 81-70 victory. The starting lineup for the underdogs thoroughly outplayed the Blue Devils, with all five scoring in double figures. Mark Mitchell had 14 points for Duke, with Ryan Young a rebound short of pulling down a double-double. The best player ended up being Jaylen Blakes, who had 17 points on 6/7 shooting off the bench.

The one positive for Duke through the end of non-conference play is that despite the player absences, it’s provided opportunities for guys that weren’t projected to do much this season more playing time than expected, making them an option for ACC play going forward.

There’s a good chance that both Lively and Whitehead will be back for the Blue Devils next game, which is a home matchup against Florida State on Saturday. The Seminoles are just 4-10 on the season but have played better as of late, now 2-1 in league play.

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