College basketball power rankings: Duke is nation’s hottest team heading into rivalry game vs. North Carolina

The CBS Sports college basketball power rankings is topped once again by the Duke Blue Devils as they enter Saturday’s rivalry game vs. North Carolina with the longest active winning streak in college basketball. Duke is No. 1 — yes, to be clear, ahead of AP-ranked No. 1 Auburn — for a second consecutive week in the power rankings after wins over Wake Forest and NC State that moved it to 10-0 in ACC play and 18-2 on the season.

Meanwhile Auburn, whose only loss on the season remains to Duke, is once again at No. 2 this week after a close win at home over Tennessee and a cushy road win over LSU. 

The margin is thin between the two, to be sure. Gary Parrish has Auburn at No. 1 in his daily Top 25 (And 1). I think reasonable minds can come to that conclusion given Auburn’s overwhelmingly great résumé. But the power rankings are equal parts resume-based and vibes-based, with extra weight for the latter, because y’know what? I make the rules here. And the vibes are immaculate around Duke right now. Even if it doesn’t have the same number of Quad 1 wins as Auburn, this team is playing at a high level and improving with each passing game.

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David Cobb

That’s why Duke is edging Auburn.

For now. 

There’s plenty at stake in this week’s power rankings not just at the top with Duke and Auburn but with a handful of other teams. Michigan State and Houston are still undefeated in conference play and are once again on the rise in the ranks below. Arizona reappeared after a time away thanks to a huge OT win over top-five Iowa State. And Florida is back into the top five this week thanks to a shakeup at the top.

There’s much to discuss and dissect as we introduce the power rankings leading into the weekend. Let’s get to it.

College Basketball Power Rankings

As the college basketball season heats up, Duke University is emerging as the nation’s hottest team. With a string of impressive wins and a talented roster led by star players such as Paolo Banchero and AJ Griffin, the Blue Devils are making a strong case for the top spot in the rankings.

Their recent victory over a top-ranked opponent has solidified their status as a force to be reckoned with in the highly competitive landscape of college basketball. As they prepare to face off against their bitter rivals, the North Carolina Tar Heels, in a highly anticipated matchup, all eyes will be on Duke to see if they can continue their winning streak and further solidify their place at the top of the rankings.

With the intensity and excitement of a classic rivalry game on the horizon, Duke’s performance in this matchup will be a true test of their strength and resilience. Can they continue their dominance and come out on top against their fierce opponents, or will North Carolina pull off an upset and shake up the rankings once again?

Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain – the Duke Blue Devils are a team to watch this season, and their impressive run of form has firmly established them as one of the top contenders in college basketball. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds and the battle for supremacy continues on the hardwood.

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1. College basketball power rankings
2. Duke basketball
3. North Carolina basketball
4. Duke vs. North Carolina rivalry
5. NCAA basketball rankings
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7. Duke Blue Devils
8. North Carolina Tar Heels
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