Blue Devil Country

Streaking Duke Basketball Squad Now Bound for Bump in Rankings

Kentucky almost certainly gifted Duke basketball its position back in the AP Poll.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball
Duke basketball / Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images
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Without even suffering a loss last week — now six in a row without tasting defeat — Duke basketball dropped one spot to No. 5 in the AP Top 25 Poll released on Monday due to Kentucky's one-spot rise stemming from its hyped win over rival Louisville. This Monday, though, Jon Scheyer's third group of Blue Devils (10-2, 2-0 ACC) should be a shoo-in to get that No. 4 by its name again.

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On Saturday evening, Mark Pope's first batch of Kentucky Wildcats (10-2, 0-0 SEC), who recorded a 77-72 win over Duke at the Champions Classic in Atlanta on Nov. 12, fell in lopsided fashion, 85-65, to the unranked Ohio State Buckeyes (8-4, 1-1 Big Ten) at the CBS Sports Classic in New York City's Madison Square Garden.

Former one-year Duke basketball reserve forward Sean Stewart, now averaging 5.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game as a full-time starter in his first season with the Buckeyes, finished with five points and four boards across his 15 minutes against the Wildcats.

Meanwhile, the Blue Devils are fresh off their dominant displays this week in Tuesday night's 68-47 home win over the George Mason Patriots (7-4, 0-0 Atlantic 10) and Saturday afternoon's 82-56 road victory over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-7, 0-2 ACC).

Neither the No. 1-ranked Tennessee Volunteers, No. 2 Auburn Tigers, or No. 3 Iowa State Cyclones have lost this week.

Duke basketball will look to make it seven wins in a row, already enjoying its longest streak since reeling off eight straight around this time last year, when the Blue Devils welcome the Virginia Tech Hokies (5-7, 0-1 ACC) to Durham on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 4:30 p.m. ET (ACC Network).

ALSO READ: Future Duke Teammates Whip Up 51-Point Blowout

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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