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Duke basketball: Blue Devils make giant leap in final poll

Duke basketball is the highest-ranked ACC team but is not the highest seed.
Matt Giles|
Duke basketball: Blue Devils make giant leap in final poll
Duke basketball: Blue Devils make giant leap in final poll

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Duke Blue Devils

Although the Duke basketball team didn't get as high of an NCAA Tournament seed as many fans expected, the Blue Devils (26-8) were rewarded for their nine-game win streak and ACC Tournament crown in the season's final AP Top 25 that came out on Monday afternoon.

Duke jumped nine spots to No. 12 and is the highest-ranked team from the ACC for the first time this season.

Under first-year head coach Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils began the season at No. 7 in the AP Top 25 but steadily dropped while dealing with injuries and struggling to establish their identity. They fell out of the poll in mid-January and did not return until last week after spending seven weeks without a ranking by their name.

Two other teams from the conference are in this week's poll. Virginia, a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament, sits at No. 14. Meanwhile, Miami, a No. 5 seed, is at No. 16.

Despite two more ACC squads earning NCAA Tournament invites, neither NC State, a No. 11 seed, nor Pitt, another No. 11 seed, are ranked or among the 12 in the "others receiving votes" department.

The Blue Devils are the No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament's East Region, beginning their journey against No. 12 seed Oral Roberts — second among vote-getters who aren't ranked — at 7:10 p.m. ET Thursday at Orlando's Amway Center.

RELATED: Duke not returning to Greensboro for NCAA Tournament

With a win, Duke basketball would stay in Orlando to face either No. 4 seed Tennessee (ranks No. 20) or No. 13 seed Louisiana (unranked) on Saturday.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country for daily Duke basketball content.

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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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