NCAA Basketball: Arizona, Iowa State, Houston rise in latest top 25 power rankings

8. Duke (18-5)

Duke is quietly having a solid season, though it’s not quite living up to some of their most recent standards. The record looks great and their ranking keeps getting better, but the Blue Devils would certainly take back their performances in those losses, including a recent loss against rival North Carolina just a week ago. Fortunately, they were back on track with easy games this week.

The Blue Devils weren’t really challenged and it started on Wednesday with a 71-53 home win over Notre Dame. It was a team effort, led by a 13-point, 10-rebound outing from Mark Mitchell and contributions all over the rotation. Three days later, Duke beat Boston College 80-65, getting another home win over a bottom feeder in the ACC. All five starters scored in double figures, led by Mitchell’s 17 and a double-double from Jared McCain.

While other ranked teams fell, Duke stayed at home and won a pair of easy games, now back on track after their recent defeat against the Tar Heels. There’s nothing wrong with this; the Blue Devils are simply playing the games on their schedule and frankly the ACC is not in great shape this season. They will face more difficulty next week, facing Wake Forest before a road trip down to Florida State.