The Duke Blue Devils are making waves as they firmly establish themselves as the team to beat after a commanding victory over the Virginia Cavaliers.
Duke, now sitting atop the Associated Press top 25 poll, showcased their dominance with a decisive 77-51 win against Virginia. This victory comes on the heels of their triumph over the previously top-ranked Michigan Wolverines, and it seems the Blue Devils are hitting their stride just in time for the NCAA Tournament, which is only three weeks away.
Duke's Dominance Sets Stage for March Madness
Virginia entered the matchup with an impressive nine-game winning streak, outscoring opponents by an average of 12 points. However, Duke, with a record of 27-2, proved to be an insurmountable challenge, solidifying their status as the nation's top team heading into March.
This victory marks Duke's fifth double-digit win over a ranked opponent this season, a feat they haven't achieved since the 2001-02 season. Their average margin of victory over AP-ranked opponents stands at 12.1 points per game, underscoring their dominance.
With this win, Duke secured the No. 1 seed for the upcoming ACC tournament, where they are poised to pursue their 24th conference tournament title.
The Blue Devils boast a 12-2 record in Quad 1 games, tying them with Michigan and Arizona for the most in the country. Their only two losses were nail-biters, decided by a combined total of just four points, highlighting their resilience and competitive edge.
Duke's offensive prowess is undeniable, but it's their defense that truly sets them apart. Ranked No. 1 in adjusted defensive rating by KenPom, they held Virginia to a mere 29.1 percent shooting, marking the Cavaliers' lowest shooting performance of the season.
After Saturday's performance, there's little doubt that Duke is the team to watch. The question now is whether they can maintain this momentum and clinch the title come tournament time.