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College Basketball: 5 best games for Week 15

By Nathaniel Reeves

Jan 21, 2017; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self calls a play during the first half of the game against the Texas Longhorns at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks won 79-67. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self calls a play during the first half of the game against the Texas Longhorns at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks won 79-67. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 9, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Grayson Allen (3) drives the ball against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) in the second half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Grayson Allen (3) drives the ball against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) in the second half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Duke at Virginia, Wednesday 9:00 p.m. ET

The Blue Devils finally showed their full potential last Thursday with a huge win over the rival Tar Heels, and now have a chance to climb further up the ACC standings in a ranked showdown at Virginia.

Duke played its best game of the season in the 86-78 win against North Carolina and is now 20-5 overall and 8-4 in ACC play, although Saturday’s two-point win over Clemson at home was a little less inspiring. Numerous injuries, Mike Krzyzewski’s absence and other sources of turmoil led to an ugly stretch in January, but the Blue Devils are still a four seed and have the raw talent to beat anyone.

Virginia isn’t getting a ton of national attention once again, but Tony Bennett’s team is right in the ACC race at 8-3 and 18-5 overall pending Sunday night’s game at Virginia Tech, good enough for a three seed as things stand. The Cavaliers crushed short-handed Louisville last Monday and have played the likes of Villanova and Florida State tough in close losses.

Duke has to be thrilled with the recent play of Grayson Allen, who put up 25 points on 7-for-12 shooting from the field against North Carolina. If Allen continues his recent form alongside Luke Kennard, Duke’s offense is going to be a handful for even one of the best defenses in the nation in Virginia.

Still, the Cavaliers have some impressive depth this season to make up for the lack of star power beyond London Perratnes and have generated offense from some unexpected sources recently. The Blue Devils will need a flawless perimeter shooting performance to beat the pack-line defense on the road Wednesday night.