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  • ACC Power Rankings: Is Duke the hottest team in the league or is there another?


    Syracuse, N.Y. ― The Duke Blue Devils are the best team in the ACC. That’s obvious. So far the Blue Devils’ superiority in the conference has been unchallenged.

    But there’s another team that’s making some noise and rising up in Syracuse.com’s weekly ACC Power Rankings.

    The Louisville Cardinals, Syracuse’s next opponent, ran their current win streak to six games with a pair of impressive wins this past week. As a result, Louisville made the most significant move up in this week’s Power Rankings.

    North Carolina and Stanford are two more teams to watch as they also went 2-0 this past week.

    Here’s a look at this week’s Power Rankings:

    1. Duke

    Record: 14-2 (6-0)

    Last week’s ranking: No. 1

    Last week’s results: Win 76-47 over Pittsburgh; Win 86-78 over Notre Dame

    This week’s schedule: Tuesday vs. Miami; Saturday at Boston College

    Why No. 1? Duke has Cooper Flagg. That’s it. The freshman went for 42 points on 11-for-14 shooting along with seven assists and six rebounds in Duke’s win over Notre Dame.

    2. Louisville

    Record: 12-5 (5-1)

    Last week’s ranking: No. 4

    Last week’s result: Win 74-64 over Clemson; Win 82-78 at Pittsburgh

    This week’s schedule: Tuesday at Syracuse; Saturday vs. Virginia

    Why No. 2? Louisville has won six games in a row. The Cardinals’ last loss was at Kentucky on Dec. 14. But the Cardinals took things up a notch this past week with wins over Clemson at home and Pittsburgh on the road. Those teams were second and third in last week’s Power Rankings.

    3. Clemson

    Record: 13-4 (5-1)

    Last week’s ranking: No. 2

    Last week’s results: Loss 74-64 at Louisville; Win 77-57 over Florida State

    This week’s schedule: Tuesday at Georgia Tech; Saturday at Pittsburgh

    Why No. 3? The Tigers suffered a tough road loss at Louisville, so they slide down one spot. Nice bounce-back win as Clemson demolished Florida State on Saturday. A key game looms next Saturday at Pitt.

    4. Pittsburgh

    Record: 12-4 (3-2)

    Last week’s ranking: No. 3

    Last week’s result: Loss 76-47 at Duke; Loss 82-78 to Louisville

    This week’s schedule: Wednesday at Florida State; Saturday vs. Clemson

    Why No. 4? Pittsburgh had a tough week. The road loss at Duke was expected, but not the margin. Then came the home loss to Louisville. That’s a separation game. Still, can’t find any reason to drop Pitt more than a notch. I think the Panthers are a top-4 club in the ACC.

    5. Wake Forest

    Syracuse basketball vs. Wake Forest

    Wake Forest forward Tre’Von Spillers dunks over Syracuse’s Chris Bell in a recent game at the JMA Wireless Dome. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

    Record: 12-4 (4-1)

    Last week’s ranking: No. 5

    Last week’s results: Win 88-78 at Miami

    This week’s schedule: Wednesday vs. Stanford; Saturday at Virginia Tech

    Why No. 5? Wake Forest treads water with a win at Miami in its only game of the week. The Deacons are just outside the obvious top 4 in the ACC. Can they stay ahead of SMU and UNC in the coming weeks?

    6. North Carolina

    Record: 11-6 (4-1)

    Last week’s ranking: No. 7

    Last week’s results: Win 82-67 over SMU; Win 63-61 at N.C. State

    This week’s schedule: Wednesday vs. California; Saturday vs. Stanford

    Why No. 6? Lifted North Carolina over SMU with its mid-week win over the Mustangs, then watched the Tar Heels survive their battle against arch-rival N.C. State. Still don’t know just how good the Tar Heels are or aren’t.

    7. SMU

    Record: 12-4 (3-2)

    Last week’s ranking: No. 6

    Last week’s result: Loss 82-67 at North Carolina; Win 93-71 over Georgia Tech

    This week’s schedule: Wednesday at Virginia; Saturday at Miami

    Why No. 7? SMU’s two ACC losses have come at Duke and North Carolina. No shame in either. For now, the Mustangs sit at No. 7, but I’m thinking this team could move into the Top 5 within a week or two. Let’s see how SMU does in two road games this week.

    8. Stanford

    Record: 11-5 (3-2)

    Last week’s ranking: No. 9

    Last week’s results: Win 70-59 over Virginia Tech; Win 88-65 over Virginia

    This week’s schedule: Wednesday at Wake Forest; Stanford at North Carolina

    Why No. 8? Stanford jumps over Virginia this week. A home win doesn’t always necessitate a move, but Stanford beat UVa by 23 points. I don’t think any of the ACC’s East Coast teams are going to enjoy playing the Cardinal in Palo Alto.

    9. Virginia

    Record: 8-8 (1-4)

    Last week’s ranking: No. 8

    Last week’s results: Loss 75-61 at California; Loss 88-65 at Stanford

    This week’s schedule: Wednesday vs. SMU; Saturday at Louisville

    Why No. 8? The fact that Virginia has lost its last three games by an average of 19.0 points would warrant a steeper drop. But I’m giving consideration to the Cavaliers’ losing twice on the West Coast and also its recent win over N.C. State, which was the one team I considered moving ahead of the Wahoos.

    10. N.C. State

    Record: 9-7 (2-3)

    Last week’s ranking: No. 11

    Last week’s result: Win 66-65 over Notre Dame; Loss 63-61 to North Carolina

    This week’s schedule: Wednesday at Virginia Tech; Saturday vs. California

    Why No. 10? N.C. State was so close to moving up even higher, but lost to North Carolina as the Tar Heels got a late dunk and then a game-saving block in the final seconds.

    11. Florida State

    Record: 11-5 (2-3)

    Last week’s ranking: No. 12

    Last week’s result: Win 80-65 at Miami; Loss 77-57 at Clemson

    This week’s schedule: Wednesday vs. Pittsburgh; Saturday vs. Georgia Tech

    Why No. 11? Florida State starts to merit some attention with wins over Syracuse and Miami but then gets smacked at Clemson. Seminoles are settling into the range between the ACC’s best teams at the top and lesser teams at the bottom.

    12. Syracuse

    Syracuse Orange Basketball 2024-25: Syracuse vs Georgia Tech

    Syracuse guard JJ Starling celebrates after a big play in the Orange’s win over Georgia Tech last Tuesday. Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.comdennis nett | dnett@syracuse.com

    Record: 8-8 (2-3)

    Last week’s ranking: No. 14

    Last week’s result: Win 62-55 over Georgia Tech; Win 79-71 at Boston College

    This week’s schedule: Tuesday vs. Louisville; Saturday vs. Notre Dame

    Why No. 12? Not that Syracuse had a real eye-opening win last week, but the Orange did beat one team (Georgia Tech) ranked above them and then got a road win at BC. And road wins matter.

    13. Georgia Tech

    Record: 8-9 (2-4)

    Last week’s ranking: No. 10

    Last week’s results: Loss 62-55 at Syracuse; Loss 93-71 at SMU

    This week’s schedule: Tuesday vs. Clemson

    Why No. 13? Georgia Tech falls three spots after a pair of road losses. The Yellow Jackets failed to beat a Syracuse team that was without starting forward Donnie Freeman.

    14. Notre Dame

    Record: 7-9 (1-4)

    Last week’s ranking: No. 13

    Last week’s result: Loss 66-65 at N.C. State; Loss 86-78 at Duke

    This week’s schedule: Monday vs. Boston College; Saturday at Syracuse

    Why No. 14? Not going to knock Notre Dame down too far. What did we expect with road games at N.C. State and Duke? The Irish actually showed a lot of fight in both games, barely losing at State and hanging tough against the Blue Devils.

    15. Virginia Tech

    Record: 7-9 (2-3)

    Last week’s ranking: No. 17

    Last week’s result: Loss 70-59 at Stanford; Win 71-68 at California

    This week’s schedule: Wednesday vs. N.C. State; Saturday vs. Wake Forest

    Why No. 15? Virginia Tech earned a two-spot increase thanks to a road win at Cal.

    16. California

    Record: 7-7 (0-3)

    Last week’s ranking: No. 15

    Last week’s result: Win 75-61 over Virginia; Loss 71-68 to Virginia Tech

    This week’s schedule: Wednesday at North Carolina; Saturday at NC State

    Why No. 16? It’s hard to drop Cal after its win over Virginia, but the Bears couldn’t follow it up on Saturday and lost to Virginia Tech. Hoping another week of games will provide some more separation between these teams.

    17. Boston College

    Record: 9-7 (1-4)

    Last week’s ranking: No. 16

    Last week’s result: Loss 79-71 to Syracuse

    This week’s schedule: Monday at Notre Dame; Saturday vs. Duke

    Why No. 17? The Eagles’ only ACC win to date is over Miami. That’s the only team behind BC at this point. The Eagles’ four ACC losses include a 21-point loss at Georgia Tech and the home loss to struggling Syracuse.

    18. Miami

    Record: 4-12 (0-5)

    Last week’s ranking: No. 18

    Last week’s result: Loss 80-65 to Florida State; Loss 88-78 to Wake Forest

    This week’s schedule: Tuesday at Duke; Saturday vs. SMU

    Why No. 18? Miami couldn’t pick up a win despite having two home games last week. The odds of getting one this week appear slim with a game at Duke and then a visit to Coral Gables from SMU.

    Contact Mike Waters anytime: Email | Twitter





    As we head into the final stretch of the ACC basketball season, one team is making some serious noise and climbing up the power rankings – the Duke Blue Devils. With impressive wins over top-ranked teams and standout performances from their star players, Duke is looking like a force to be reckoned with.

    However, the question remains – is Duke the hottest team in the league, or is there another squad that deserves the top spot in the ACC power rankings? Teams like Virginia, Florida State, and Louisville have all been playing well and making their case for the top spot.

    In this post, we’ll break down each team’s recent performance and analyze their strengths and weaknesses to determine who truly deserves the title of the hottest team in the ACC. Stay tuned for our updated power rankings and see if Duke can maintain their momentum or if another team will rise to the top.

    Tags:

    ACC Power Rankings, Duke basketball, ACC basketball, college basketball rankings, ACC tournament, ACC teams, Duke Blue Devils, ACC standings, college basketball analysis, March Madness predictions, NCAA basketball rankings, college hoops, ACC champions, basketball power rankings

    #ACC #Power #Rankings #Duke #hottest #team #league

  • College basketball rankings: Duke rises to No. 2 behind unanimous No. 1 Auburn in updated AP Top 25 poll


    Duke ascended to its highest ranking in the AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll since the 2023-24 preseason on Monday with a leap from No. 3 to No. 2 behind unanimous No. 1 Auburn. The Blue Devils, who began the season ranked No. 7 and fell to as low as No. 12 in November after a 4-2 start to the season, have been in the top 10 for eight consecutive weeks, culminating with a one-spot climb each of the last three weeks.

    Duke’s rise has been fueled by a nation-leading winning streak of 12 games made possible in part by last week’s No. 2 team, Iowa State, falling at West Virginia on Saturday. In that span Duke has defeated then-No. 2 (now-No. 1) Auburn and raced out to an 8-0 start in ACC play – its best start in conference action since 2007-08.

    Auburn, ranked No. 1 for a second consecutive week, has not lost since its defeat at Duke in early December, and improved to 17-1 on the season with a pair of SEC wins this week. The Tigers strengthened their grip on No. 1 by earning all 62 first-place votes after a week that ended with a scare from Georgia. They are the first unanimous No. 1 in the AP poll since UConn claimed that title after finishing last season 37-3 and winning its second consecutive national championship.

    With 18 ranked teams taking at least one loss over the last week there was plenty of movement elsewhere in the AP Top 25 this week led by Gonzaga, Georgia (who both lost twice) Utah State and Baylor falling out and St. John’s, Missouri, West Virginia and Louisville joining the ranks. Those changes also included Iowa State dropping to No. 3, Houston rising to No. 7 and Michigan State entering the top 10 for the first time this season at No. 8.  

    AP Top 25

    1. Auburn (62)
    2. Duke
    3. Iowa State
    4. Alabama
    5. Florida
    6. Tennessee
    7. Houston
    8. Michigan State
    9. Kentucky
    10. Marquette
    11. Purdue
    12. Kansas
    13. Texas A&M
    14. Mississippi State
    15. Oregon
    16. Ole Miss
    17. Illinois
    18. Wisconsin
    19. UConn
    20. St. John’s
    21. Michigan
    22. Missouri
    23. West Virginia
    24. Memphis
    25. Louisville

    Also receiving votes: Texas Tech 104, Utah St. 38, Vanderbilt 35, Gonzaga 34, Georgia 30, Clemson 30, Arizona 21, Saint Mary’s 12, Cincinnati 4, Baylor 4, UC Irvine 3, Wake Forest 2, Creighton 2, Bradley 1, Maryland 1.

    First unanimous No. 1 of 2024-25

    The first unanimous No. 1 team in men’s college basketball this season, fittingly, is the Auburn Tigers. Auburn claimed the No. 1 spot in the AP poll last week for the first time all season following Tennessee’s first loss of the season and a subsequent fall. It is the first team to earn all available first-place votes this season and first team to earn unanimous status during a regular-season poll since UConn did so on Feb. 19 of last year. The Huskies lost their subsequent game but did not lose the remainder of the season en route to a second national championship, which finished with unanimous status in the final AP poll.

    Hello, Louisville!

    First-year coach Pat Kelsey has Louisville, ranked No. 25 this week, back in the AP poll for the first time since Jan. 25, 2021. The Cardinals (14-5) have won eight consecutive games after a challenging 6-5 start to the season headlined by wins over North Carolina, Clemson and Pitt in the New Year. 

    SEC leads way with eight teams

    The season of the SEC once again continued this week with the league leading the way with eight ranked teams even after Georgia dropped out of this week’s poll, with five of those landing in the top 10. The Big Ten had the next-most with six, followed by the Big 12 with five.

    The Big East and ACC each had two. The AAC and Mountain West each had one. 





    In the latest AP Top 25 poll, Duke has climbed to the No. 2 spot behind unanimous No. 1 Auburn. The Blue Devils have been on a hot streak, winning their last seven games and showcasing their talent and depth on both ends of the court.

    Auburn, meanwhile, continues to dominate the college basketball landscape with an impressive record and strong performances against top-ranked opponents. The Tigers have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with and are deserving of their unanimous No. 1 ranking.

    With March Madness just around the corner, these rankings set the stage for an exciting tournament filled with top-tier matchups and fierce competition. Stay tuned as these teams and others battle it out for a chance to cut down the nets and be crowned national champions.

    Tags:

    1. College basketball rankings
    2. Duke basketball
    3. AP Top 25 poll
    4. Auburn basketball
    5. NCAA basketball rankings
    6. Duke rises to No. 2
    7. College basketball updates
    8. March Madness
    9. Basketball news
    10. Top college basketball teams

    #College #basketball #rankings #Duke #rises #unanimous #Auburn #updated #Top #poll

  • College basketball rankings: No. 2 Duke coming on strong, not far behind top-ranked Auburn


    Auburn is No. 1 in the CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 daily college basketball rankings for the 13th consecutive morning and will likely also remain No. 1 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll for the second straight week when it updates Monday.

    But keep an eye on Duke.

    While Auburn’s best player, Johni Broome, remains sidelined with an ankle injury suffered nine days ago, Duke’s best player, Cooper Flagg, has emerged as the favorite to become the youngest Wooden Award winner in history. Also true: Duke and Auburn are now co-favorites to win the 2025 NCAA Tournament at +500, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

    It’s inarguable, at this point, that Auburn has the sport’s best body of work — a 17-1 record highlighted by a 10-1 mark inside Quadrant 1. The Tigers deserve their No. 1 ranking. But if they were to lose Saturday to Tennessee while Duke extends its winning streak to 13 games via a victory at Wake Forest on the same day, the Blue Devils and Tigers would then both be 17-2 through 19 contests, and, given that Duke already owns a win over Auburn and is already ahead of the Tigers in some computers, I would expect Duke to then move to No. 1 under that scenario.

    For now, though, it’s Auburn at No. 1 and Duke at No. 2 in Monday morning’s updated Top 25 And 1 — and I don’t see any reason that will change until at least Sunday morning considering neither Auburn nor Duke play again until Saturday.

    Anyway …

    Did you look at Monday’s schedule?

    There are no ranked teams in action. So we’re all pretty freed up to watch the College Football Playoff Championship game between Ohio State  and Notre Dame. The Buckeyes are listed as 8.5-point favorites. On Sunday’s episode of the Eye On College Basketball Podcast, I picked Ohio State.

    But I stink at picking games. So you should probably take the Irish.

    Either way, enjoy it! Without the 12-team playoff, this matchup wouldn’t even be possible. So, regardless of who wins, I’m mostly just rooting for a fun and compelling game that leaves no silly people any room to try to suggest the old way was a better way.

    Itching for more college hoops analysis? Listen below and subscribe to the Eye on College Basketball podcast where we take you beyond the hardwood with insider information and instant reactions.

    Top 25 And 1 rankings





    In the latest college basketball rankings, No. 2 Duke is making a strong push towards the top spot currently held by Auburn. Duke has been on a hot streak, winning their last five games and showing why they are one of the top teams in the country.

    Led by star players like Paolo Banchero and Trevor Keels, Duke has been dominating on both ends of the floor and making a strong case for the number one ranking. With impressive wins over top teams like Gonzaga and Kentucky, the Blue Devils are proving that they are a force to be reckoned with.

    While Auburn currently holds the top spot in the rankings, Duke is not far behind and is poised to take over the number one spot if they can continue their winning ways. With March Madness right around the corner, it will be interesting to see how these two powerhouse teams stack up against each other in the coming weeks.

    Stay tuned for more updates on the college basketball rankings as Duke looks to overtake Auburn and claim the top spot for themselves.

    Tags:

    • College basketball rankings
    • Duke basketball
    • Duke basketball rankings
    • NCAA basketball rankings
    • Duke vs Auburn
    • No. 2 Duke
    • Top-ranked Auburn
    • College basketball updates
    • March Madness contenders
    • Duke Blue Devils

    #College #basketball #rankings #Duke #coming #strong #topranked #Auburn

  • College basketball rankings: Auburn, Duke at the top; Gonzaga falls out of top 25


    John Fanta

    John Fanta

    College Basketball Broadcaster and Reporter

    If you wait until March for the madness, you’re missing out on the beauty of January chaos. As we hit the thick of winter, I liken it to the dog days of baseball. Some of the best teams in men’s college basketball are going to suffer defeat, and during at least one week, we see a combination of dramatic finishes and eyebrow-raising final scores that make you question what we’ve been watching all season long. 

    This past week, I have been giving many teams the Monopoly “get out of jail free” card that we always hoped we’d receive when playing the famous board game. In total, 18 of my top 25 from last week lost. 

    We saw it in Minneapolis on Thursday night when Dawson Garcia hit a 3-pointer from the logo as time expired to give Minnesota a shocking 84-81 win over a ranked Michigan team: 

    In Milwaukee, a Marquette team that was previously 10-0 at home on the season was shocked by a Xavier squad that entered with an 0-7 record in Quadrant 1 games:

    In Morgantown, the top-10 giant killers of West Virginia notched their victory of that sort in Year 1 of the Darian DeVries era with a stunning 64-57 win over No. 2 Iowa State behind Javon Small‘s 27 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals:

    And in Nashville, a Tennessee team that drubbed a previously ranked Georgia squad by 18 on Wednesday went to Vanderbilt and fell short, 76-75, for only the second loss of the season suffered by the Vols. Meanwhile, Mark Byington earned his first signature win in Year 1 at the helm, a massive victory that puts the Commodores in my Field of 68 projected field at the moment.

    [Read more: Ranking the top 50 players and coaches in the country]

    In the midst of the upsets and madness, Auburn and Duke remained unscathed. The Tigers forged on without Johni Broome and followed up a dominant win over Mississippi State with a 70-68 victory at Georgia on Saturday. When Tahaad Pettiford is cooking from beyond the arc, the freshman shifts the Tigers into a different gear. One of the best first-year players in the sport, the 6-foot-1 guard tallied 24 points on 5-for-7 shooting from 3-point territory, while tough shotmakers Chad Baker-Mazara and Miles Kelly each had 13 points. To not have Broome and still win the rebounding battle over Georgia (39-38) was impressive, as was a 22-point blowout over Mississippi State in which Chaney Johnson had 17 points and eight rebounds and Baker-Mazara scored 20. 

    Meanwhile, for the Blue Devils, Cooper Flagg sure loves Saturday games. Three of his past five games have fallen on Saturday, and he has scored at least 24 points in all three of them — going for 28 points, five rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals in the Blue Devils’ 88-63 win at Boston College on Saturday night. Coming off a scoreless showing against Miami (Fla.), junior lead guard Tyrese Proctor scored 20 points in the victory. Freshman Isaiah Evans, who had 18 in the win over Auburn on Dec. 4, buried four triples and posted 16 on Saturday night in New England. With their past two wins coming by a combined 60 points, the Blue Devils have leaped to No. 1 in the KenPom rankings. 

    That said, let’s get to our Top 25!

    1. Auburn (17-1)

    Duke might be first in one analytics model, but the Tigers aren’t moving from the king’s chair for me. Their backcourt unit is the best in the country, in my opinion, and it showed how well-coached they are that Bruce Pearl could navigate this past week without Broome and go 2-0. In the two wins, Baker-Mazara was 6-of-11 from distance and continues to add a steady senior presence. The Tigers have a midweek bye before hosting Tennessee on Saturday (8: 30 p.m. ET) in one of the sport’s biggest games of the season to date. 

    2. Duke (16-2)

    The Blue Devils have the nation’s longest active winning streak at 12 games after Saturday’s blowout at Conte Forum and are 5-0 on the road — their best start in away games since the 2018-19 season when they won their first seven road contests. The winning streak is the longest for the program since the 2014-15 season, when the program last won the national championship. This team defends at a high level and has the best player in the sport. When Proctor brings his A-game, Duke is extremely difficult to beat. 

    [Read more: 2025 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Debate at the top with Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper]

    3. Iowa State (15-2)

    No, I am not penalizing the Cyclones for a loss in a true road game at West Virginia. They were 1-of-17 from 3-point territory and only tallied four assists while committing 14 turnovers in the loss. Of course, the Mountaineers defense was disruptive and had much to do with that, but those numbers signal when it’s not your day, it’s not your day. Iowa State’s 17-point home win earlier in the week over Kansas is what keeps them in my top 3. You’ll see why next:

    4. Alabama (15-3)

    Sure, Alabama took a loss at home to Ole Miss this past week, but the response in Lexington, Kentucky on Saturday with a 102-97 win over the Wildcats is enough cause for me to keep the Crimson Tide in my top five. What went wrong in the loss to the Rebels? Ole Miss held Mark Sears and Labaron Philon to 2-for-16 shooting from the floor, using their athleticism and length to turn the water off against the Alabama backcourt duo. On Saturday, Sears posted 24 points and nine assists, while Grant Nelson had 25 points and 11 rebounds. Nate Oats’ team will likely be in my Final Four when I fill out my bracket. I trust their experience and scoring prowess. 

    5. Houston (14-3)

    Did you know that Kelvin Sampson is 20-1 in his last 21 games coached in the Big 12? That’s absolutely wild, especially when considering that one loss came at Kansas — where almost nobody wins. In other words, Houston has been unstoppable everywhere else. They beat UCF on Saturday, 69-68, on a J’Wan Roberts game-winner. 

    Houston hosts Utah on Tuesday (8 p.m. ET) before visiting Kansas on Saturday (6:30 p.m. ET). 

    6. Florida (16-2)

    I have the Gators at sixth even after a loss to Missouri, who joined my rankings this week, because they’re the strongest of the collection of Florida, Tennessee and Kentucky in the ratings — and both the Vols and Wildcats suffered weekend defeats. Sure, Florida lost at Rupp Arena, but that head-to-head win over Tennessee does matter. It was not as if I was discounting that last week, I just thought it was harsh to totally move the Vols from arguably the top spot to completely out of the top five. But Gator fans, I think Walter Clayton and Alijah Martin are one of the nation’s best duos and that you have a high-caliber team that can make it to the Final Four.

    7. Tennessee (16-2)

    While Chaz Lanier led four Vols in double-figures with 17 points on Saturday, the Tennessee star and All-American candidate had five turnovers in the loss at Vanderbilt. The offensive droughts can still be a theme for the Vols, and their bench is nothing to write home about beyond Jordan Gainey. He was quiet on Saturday, finishing 1-of-6 from the floor. The Vols host Mississippi State on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET) before visiting Auburn on Saturday (8:30 p.m. ET), followed by hosting Kentucky and Florida the following week. Life in the SEC! 

    [Read more: FOX Sports’ men’s college basketball midseason All-America teams]

    8. Kentucky (14-4)

    The Wildcats did open the week by commanding Texas A&M but Saturday’s loss marked the second time in the past two weeks that Kentucky has allowed at least 100 points. The defense has to get cleaned up or else this team’s ceiling will be very matchup-based in the NCAA Tournament. 

    9. Michigan State (16-2)

    In his 30th season at the helm, Tom Izzo has a 16-2 team that has won 11 straight games and is all alone at the top of the Big Ten at 7-0. Michigan State extended its remarkable winning streak, the program’s longest since the Spartans went to the Final Four in the 2018-19 season, with an 80-78 victory over Illinois. What makes this Spartans team so special? Their ability to generate pace and dribble penetration, with Tre Holloman delivering 17 points on Sunday and double-figure scoring performances from Frankie Fidler and Coen Carr. Their ability to settle into a game is also impressive, as MSU overcame a 20-10 deficit out of the gates and locked down the Illini on the perimeter, holding them to 5-of-24 from 3-point range. Izzo also notched his 350th career Big Ten victory, moving him three shy of Bob Knight’s all-time wins record in the conference. What a start to the year in East Lansing, and yes, the Breslin Center was unhinged on Sunday.

    10. Marquette (15-3)

    The Golden Eagles were off to their best start in Big East play since 2008-09, and they still have wins over Purdue, Georgia and Wisconsin — all of whom are ranked this week. What went wrong vs. Xavier? The Golden Eagles fell behind by as many as 19 in the second half, and it was just too much to overcome, giving Xavier its first win in the series in six meetings. If you limit Kam Jones and Stevie Mitchell, you can beat Shaka Smart’s team. They were held to 7-for-24 shooting from the field. 

    11. Purdue (15-4)
    12. Kansas (13-4)
    13. Texas A&M (14-4)
    14. Mississippi State (15-3)
    15. Illinois (13-5)
    16. UConn (13-5)
    17. Ole Miss (15-3)
    18. Oregon (15-3)
    19. Michigan (14-4)
    20. St. John’s (16-3)
    21. Wisconsin (15-3)
    22. West Virginia (13-4)
    23. Memphis (14-4)
    24. Missouri (15-3)
    25. Louisville (14-5)

    John Fanta is a national college basketball broadcaster and writer for FOX Sports. He covers the sport in a variety of capacities, from calling games on FS1 to serving as lead host on the BIG EAST Digital Network to providing commentary on The Field of 68 Media Network. Follow him at @John_Fanta.

    [Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.]

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    In the latest college basketball rankings, Auburn and Duke are at the top, while Gonzaga has fallen out of the top 25. Auburn has been on a tear this season, boasting an impressive record and dominating their opponents. Duke, with their talented roster and strong performances, has also solidified their place near the top of the rankings.

    On the other hand, Gonzaga, who was once a mainstay in the top 25, has struggled in recent games and has dropped out of the rankings. Despite their early season success, Gonzaga has faced tough competition and has been unable to secure key wins.

    It will be interesting to see how these teams continue to perform as the season progresses. Stay tuned for more updates on college basketball rankings.

    Tags:

    college basketball rankings, Auburn basketball, Duke basketball, Gonzaga basketball, NCAA rankings, college sports, March Madness, top college basketball teams, basketball rankings update, NCAA basketball standings

    #College #basketball #rankings #Auburn #Duke #top #Gonzaga #falls #top

  • As Cooper Flagg, Duke visit, Boston College basketball is the hottest ticket in town


    Cooper Flagg is in town this weekend, and there are plenty of local fans who want to see him.

    Boston College men’s basketball’s matchup with No. 3 Duke on Saturday at Conte Forum has long been sold out — tickets available through the university ran out in early December — with the get-in price for the cheapest pair of tickets starting at more than $165 (fees included) as of Thursday.

    “Ticket interest is high and that was to be expected with a preseason top team on the schedule and with them now being ranked No. 3 in the country,” said BC associate athletic director Jim O’Neill, who oversees ticketing operations. “Also with Cooper Flagg being a New England kid, [that] has certainly raised the level of interest.”

    The Blue Devils are 15-2 and off to a 7-0 start in Atlantic Coast Conference play, having dispatched Pittsburgh, Notre Dame, and Miami over the course of eight days.

    Flagg, the Maine native who is projected as the top pick in June’s NBA Draft, provided the highlight in that stretch with a scintillating 42-point performance against the Fighting Irish, the most ever scored by a freshman in a men’s ACC game.

    Flagg has largely delivered on the hype as a preseason All-American (having never played a collegiate game) with 18.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game for the Blue Devils, winners of 11 straight entering Saturday night.

    ACC play has been far less kind to the Eagles, who have followed up an 8-3 nonleague slate with a 1-5 start to the conference schedule. BC has dropped three in a row, with a home loss to Syracuse bookended by road defeats at Georgia Tech and Notre Dame.

    Duke has beaten BC in the last nine matchups between the teams, as well as taking 21 of the last 22, with the lone blip coming in an 89-84 Eagles win at Conte Forum in 2017.

    And while BC has hosted plenty of talented Duke teams over the years — and Flagg’s status as June’s top pick isn’t set in stone — it’s rare that a prospect of his caliber visits Chestnut Hill. The only future No. 1 pick to face the Eagles at Conte Forum this century was Paolo Banchero in 2022. Before that, you have to go all the way back to Georgetown’s Allen Iverson in 1996.

    That’s led to particularly high interest among students, the most loyal of whom will find themselves rewarded with a chance to see basketball’s next big thing up close.

    “For high-demand games for both basketball and hockey, student tickets are based on attendance at earlier home games,” O’Neill explained. “Students who attend the most games have access to the high-demand games.”

    Tip-off at Conte Forum is set for 8 p.m. on Saturday.

    Amin Touri can be reached at amin.touri@globe.com.





    It’s official – Boston College basketball is the hottest ticket in town! With star player Cooper Flagg leading the charge and a visit from the powerhouse Duke Blue Devils on the horizon, fans are lining up to catch all the action.

    Flagg has been on fire this season, averaging an impressive 20 points per game and showcasing his incredible skill on the court. His electrifying performances have not gone unnoticed, drawing in crowds from all over the city to witness his talent firsthand.

    And now, with Duke coming to town, the excitement is reaching a fever pitch. The matchup between these two powerhouse teams is sure to be one for the books, and fans are clamoring for a chance to see it live.

    If you haven’t already snagged your tickets, now is the time to do so. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see Boston College basketball at its finest and witness history in the making. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this game! #BostonCollegeBasketball #CooperFlagg #DukeBlueDevils

    Tags:

    1. Cooper Flagg
    2. Duke
    3. Boston College basketball
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    5. Ticket sales
    6. Sports events
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    8. Boston sports
    9. NCAA
    10. Game day excitement

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  • Texas Tech v. Duke 12/20/2018, Game Program and Zion Williamson RC (#79) Card



    Texas Tech v. Duke 12/20/2018, Game Program and Zion Williamson RC (#79) Card

    Price : 13.99 – 11.89

    Ends on : N/A

    View on eBay
    Attention basketball fans! Don’t miss out on the highly anticipated matchup between Texas Tech and Duke on December 20, 2018. The game program is filled with player stats, team information, and exclusive interviews.

    But that’s not all! For all you collectors out there, this game program also includes a special Zion Williamson rookie card (#79). This card is a must-have for any basketball card collector and a great way to commemorate this exciting game.

    Make sure to grab your copy of the Texas Tech v. Duke game program and Zion Williamson RC card before they sell out! Let’s cheer on our favorite teams and enjoy a night of thrilling basketball action. #TexasTechvsDuke #ZionWilliamsonRC #BasketballCollectibles
    #Texas #Tech #Duke #Game #Program #Zion #Williamson #Card,zion tech

  • Texas Tech v. Duke 12/20/2018, Game Program and Zion Williamson RC (FL-ZW) Card



    Texas Tech v. Duke 12/20/2018, Game Program and Zion Williamson RC (FL-ZW) Card

    Price : 15.99 – 13.59

    Ends on : N/A

    View on eBay
    Texas Tech v. Duke 12/20/2018 Game Program and Zion Williamson RC (FL-ZW) Card

    Are you a fan of college basketball? Do you love collecting rookie cards of future NBA stars? Well, we have the perfect item for you – the Texas Tech v. Duke 12/20/2018 game program featuring the highly anticipated matchup between the Red Raiders and the Blue Devils, as well as a Zion Williamson rookie card (FL-ZW)!

    This game program is a must-have for any basketball enthusiast, providing a detailed look at the players, coaches, and history of both teams leading up to their showdown on the court. Relive the excitement of this thrilling game and cherish the memories forever with this special keepsake.

    And if that’s not enough, you’ll also receive a Zion Williamson rookie card (FL-ZW) to add to your collection. As one of the most exciting young talents in the NBA, Williamson’s rookie cards are highly sought after and will only increase in value over time. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of basketball history.

    Order your Texas Tech v. Duke 12/20/2018 game program and Zion Williamson rookie card (FL-ZW) today and elevate your basketball memorabilia collection to the next level!
    #Texas #Tech #Duke #Game #Program #Zion #Williamson #FLZW #Card,zion tech

  • Tennessee Titans Unsigned Wilson Metallic Official Duke Football – NFL Balls


    Price: $159.99
    (as of Jan 17,2025 08:01:32 UTC – Details)



    Tennessee Titans Unsigned Wilson Metallic Official Duke Football . If a product is unsigned or non game-used, a hologram will not be included. memorabilia. Tennessee Titans memorabilia.
    Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 12 x 8 x 8 inches
    Date First Available ‏ : ‎ June 7, 2023
    Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Fanatics Authentic
    ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C84NHVVS

    If autographed, includes an individually numbered, tamper-evident hologram


    Calling all Tennessee Titans fans! If you’re looking to add a unique piece to your collection, look no further than the Tennessee Titans Unsigned Wilson Metallic Official Duke Football. This NFL ball features the Titans team logo and colors, making it the perfect addition to any fan cave or memorabilia display.

    This metallic football is officially licensed by Wilson and is perfect for autographs or simply displaying your team pride. Whether you’re a die-hard Titans fan or just a football enthusiast, this metallic football is a must-have for any collector.

    Don’t miss out on this exclusive piece of Titans memorabilia – order yours today and show off your team spirit in style! #TitanUp #NFLBalls #TennesseeTitans
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  • Duke coach Jon Scheyer misses No. 4 Blue Devils’ game at SMU due to illness

    Duke coach Jon Scheyer misses No. 4 Blue Devils’ game at SMU due to illness


    Arizona v Duke
    Getty Images

    Duke coach Jon Scheyer did not travel with the No. 4 Blue Devils for their game at SMU on Saturday due to illness. The program revealed Scheyer’s status roughly 15 minutes before tipoff and announced associate head coach Chris Carrawell would serve as acting head coach for the game.

    The game marks the first time Scheyer has missed a game in his three season after taking over as the successor to legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. He is expected to return for Duke’s Tuesday home game against Pitt. In the meantime, Carrawell made for an obvious candidate to serve as acting head coach as he’s been assistant with the program since 2018.

    Being without Scheyer against the Mustangs was less than ideal as Duke jockeyed for position early in the ACC race. SMU entered at 11-2 (2-0 ACC) with double-digit victories against Virginia and Boston College to begin conference play. 

    The Mustangs entered ranked No. 1 in the ACC in points per game at 87.2 and tops in the conference in shooting at 49.6% under first-year coach Andy Enfield. It was the first meeting between the teams since the 1988 NCAA Tournament. It was Duke’s first trip to SMU since 1977.





    On Saturday, Duke coach Jon Scheyer was forced to miss the No. 4 Blue Devils’ game against SMU due to illness. This unexpected absence left assistant coach Chris Carrawell to take over coaching duties for the team.

    Despite Scheyer’s absence, the Blue Devils put up a strong fight against SMU, ultimately falling short with a final score of 74-68. The team showed resilience and determination, even without their head coach on the sidelines.

    Scheyer’s absence serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the importance of having a strong support system in place. We wish Coach Scheyer a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the sidelines soon. #DukeBasketball #JonScheyer #BlueDevils #SMU #GetWellSoon

    Tags:

    Duke coach Jon Scheyer, Blue Devils, SMU, illness, missed game, college basketball, NCAA, coach absence

    #Duke #coach #Jon #Scheyer #misses #Blue #Devils #game #SMU #due #illness

  • Why Duke basketball coach Jon Scheyer isn’t on sideline for ACC matchup with SMU

    Why Duke basketball coach Jon Scheyer isn’t on sideline for ACC matchup with SMU


    Just a few minutes before SMU basketball’s first ACC meeting with No. 4 Duke, the Blue Devils announced a key absence for Saturday’s showdown.

    Duke coach Jon Scheyer didn’t travel with the team to Dallas due to illness. Associate head coach Chris Carrawell took Scheyer’s spot on the bench as acting head coach at Moody Coliseum.

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