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Bracketology 2023: Duke, Auburn, Texas and UCLA among biggest winners

By Tristan Freeman

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 04: Kyle Filipowski #30 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts after making a three-point basket during the second half of the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at the Dean E. Smith Center on March 04, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Duke won 62-57. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 04: Kyle Filipowski #30 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts after making a three-point basket during the second half of the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at the Dean E. Smith Center on March 04, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Duke won 62-57. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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Bracketology Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Duke Blue Devils

Entering this week, Duke was on a 4-game win streak after the controversial loss to Virginia. The problem for the team is that it was against the bottom of the conference, with none of those wins meaning anything. But they have a pair of opportunities against two local foes in NC State and UNC.

The win over the Wolfpack at home was a close 71-67 victory, led by 20 points from Jeremy Roach. It’s a Quad 2 victory and a boost to the resume but there was an even better chance on the weekend against rival North Carolina at their place. They already had a victory over the Heels at home and a season sweep would not only give them a Quad 1 road win but also keep UNC on the wrong side of the bubble.

That’s what ultimately went down, with Duke pulling out the 62-57 win. Kyle Filipowski had a big second half with 22 points and 13 rebounds in a strong collective effort defensively. That gives them its third Quad 1 win on the season, now 3-7 overall.

With six straight wins heading into the ACC Tournament, the Blue Devils should be viewed as one of the favorites to win it, securing that double-bye as a four-seed. If they beat both Miami and Virginia on their way to a title and nine straight wins, Duke may have a shot at getting away from the 8/9 seed range towards a 6 or a 7.

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