Duke Blue Devils Climb in Basketball Rankings

The Duke Blue Devils maintain a strong position in college basketball, currently ranked No. 4 in the AP Poll and No. 5 in the USA TODAY Sports coaches poll, with an overall record of 8-2. They secured a decisive 72-46 victory over Incarnate Word, but have faced challenges with slow offensive starts in recent games. Duke's defense remains a standout, having held opponents below 80 points in all matches, contributing to their success. The Blue Devils' notable performances include a significant win against No. 2 Auburn and a loss to Kentucky, impacting their rank. As the team heads into an academic break, they are projected to perform well in upcoming games, bolstered by a young roster led by freshman Cooper Flagg. Their next matchup is against George Mason, marking the final non-conference game before a challenging ACC schedule resumes.