Duke basketball just wrapped up a dominant January, and if you're keeping track, that's now five times under Jon Scheyer that the Blue Devils have gone unbeaten through the first full month of the new year. This latest stretch wasn't just about stacking wins - it was about making statements.
The Blue Devils, now sitting at 20-1 overall and a perfect 9-0 in ACC play, closed out January with a convincing 72-58 road win at Virginia Tech. That win wasn’t just another tally in the W column - it was another example of Duke imposing its will on both ends of the floor.
And the rankings reflect it. Duke holds firm at No. 4 in both the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll and the AP Top 25, maintaining its spot among the nation’s elite.
Let’s talk about what’s really been powering this run: defense. Over their last two games, Duke has held opponents to their lowest point totals of the season - just 52 for Louisville and 58 for Virginia Tech.
That’s not a coincidence. It’s a sign of a team that’s buying in on the defensive end and executing with discipline.
Combine that with the fact that each of Duke’s last five wins have come by double digits, and you’ve got a team that’s not just winning - it’s dominating.
Looking ahead, the Blue Devils have two big ones this week. First up is Boston College at home on Tuesday, followed by a marquee matchup on Saturday at the Smith Center against North Carolina. That’ll be the first meeting of the season between the two rivals, and with both teams ranked, expect the intensity to be sky-high.
Where Duke Stands in the Rankings
USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll:
Duke remains locked in at No. 4, the highest-ranked team in the ACC.
That puts them ahead of conference foes Virginia (17), UNC (18), Clemson (19), and Louisville (23). The top three?
Arizona, Michigan, and UConn - all powerhouse programs having strong seasons, but Duke is right there with them.
AP Top 25:
No movement here either - Duke stays at No. 4 for a second straight week.
The ACC is well-represented with UNC at 14, Virginia at 18, Clemson at 20, and Louisville at 24. It’s shaping up to be a deep conference once again, but Duke is clearly setting the pace.
NET Rankings:
Duke is sitting at No. 2 in the latest NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET), trailing only Michigan.
That’s a key spot as we inch closer to March. The Blue Devils are 9-1 against Quadrant 1 opponents - tied with Arizona for the most Quad 1 wins in the country - and a perfect 11-0 against Quadrants 2 through 4.
That’s the kind of résumé that earns high seeds and favorable paths in the NCAA Tournament.
Advanced Analytics Paint a Clear Picture
KenPom:
Duke holds the No. 3 spot in Ken Pomeroy’s efficiency rankings, trailing only Michigan and Arizona. That’s a strong indicator of just how balanced this team is on both ends of the floor.
Bart Torvik:
The Blue Devils jumped three spots this week, moving from No. 8 to No.
- That’s a significant climb and shows how their recent performances are catching the attention of the analytics crowd.
EvanMiya:
Duke also comes in at No. 3 here, further reinforcing their status as one of the most well-rounded teams in the country.
What It All Means
This Duke team is checking all the boxes. They’re winning games by double digits, locking down defensively, and doing it against high-level competition. The numbers - whether it’s traditional polls or advanced metrics - all tell the same story: this is a team that’s built for a deep March run.
With a critical stretch coming up, including the always-heated showdown with UNC, Duke has a chance to not only maintain its position but potentially climb even higher. If they keep playing like this, don’t be surprised if they start knocking on the door of that No. 1 spot.