Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Squad Tumbles in Latest National Rankings

The Duke basketball loss to Kentucky cost the Blue Devils their place in the top 10.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer
Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer / Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
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Duke basketball began the season at No. 7 in the AP Top 25 Poll before jumping one spot to No. 6 following blowout wins over the Maine Black Bears and Army Black Knights in Cameron Indoor Stadium during the first week of Jon Scheyer's third campaign as head coach.

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However, due to the Blue Devils' 77-72 Champions Classic defeat at the hands of the Kentucky Wildcats in Atlanta's State Farm Arena last Tuesday night and despite Duke's bounceback effort in Saturday's 86-35 victory over the visiting Wofford Terriers, the talent-rich collection in Durham dropped six notches to No. 12 in the AP Top 25 released on Monday.

Plus, Scheyer's Blue Devils (3-1, 0-0 ACC) fell four spots to No. 10 in the latest USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Meanwhile, Duke's archrival is now the highest-ranked ACC squad, at least in the eyes of AP voters, as the UNC Tar Heels (2-1, 0-0 ACC) stayed put at No. 10 this week. In the Coaches Poll, though, the Blue Devils sit two spots above the No. 12 Tar Heels.

UNC and Duke are the only ranked ACC teams in either poll.

This week, Duke basketball has an opportunity to boost its stock considerably when the Blue Devils head west to face the No. 17 Arizona Wildcats (2-1, 0-0 Big 12) in the McKale Center at 10:30 p.m. ET Friday (ESPN2).

ALSO READ: Deep Duke Rotation Unlikely in Big-Time Showdowns

Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more Duke basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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