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Bracketology 2023: Duke, Penn State, Marquette and Utah State among biggest winners

By Tristan Freeman

Mar 11, 2023; Chicago, IL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard Jalen Pickett (22) reacts during the second half of a basketball game against the Indiana Hoosiers at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2023; Chicago, IL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard Jalen Pickett (22) reacts during the second half of a basketball game against the Indiana Hoosiers at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bracketology Duke Blue Devils Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Duke Blue Devils

The Blue Devils entered the ACC Tournament on a 6-game win streak and playing its best ball of the season. They’re finally healthy (knock on wood) and have gone from the 8/9 seed range to around the 6/7, with a chance to get even closer.

What happened this week went as good as possible for them. They took on Pittsburgh and may have solely sent them to the NIT with a 27-point blowout victory, 96-69. That’s a nice boost for the metrics. Duke followed that up with an impressive 85-78 win over the 1 seed, Miami Hurricanes. That served as a Quad 1 win as well.

The Blue Devils then was able to beat Virginia in the ACC Tournament title game, 59-49, behind 20 points and 10 rebounds from Kyle Filipowski. It wasn’t the prettiest win for the team but that gives them a 9-game win streak heading into Selection Sunday and two more Quad 1 victories as well.

The overall weakness of the ACC may limit how much the Blue Devils can rise, and probably not on the 4-seed line. But a 6 seed is very likely, with a shot at a 5 as well. That would be a rough break for any 1 seed who’d have to deal with them in the Sweet 16.

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