College Basketball AP Poll Week 15: Winners and losers

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Feb 11, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) reacts after scoring against the Clemson Tigers in the second half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /

Winner: Duke Blue Devils (No. 18 up to No. 12)

He’s back. After missing the last few weeks following back surgery, head coach Mike Krzyzewski has returned to the sidelines for the Duke Blue Devils, essentially bringing back the team that everyone had feared earlier in the season.

This season has been a head-scratcher for the Blue Devils, though. One minute they’re 12-1 in non-conference play and ranked No. 5 in the country and the next they’re hanging on to the Top 25 for dear life after four losses in the first seven ACC games of the season.

Duke was just 3-4 in conference play and it seemed like the Blue Devils were out of the ACC title race before it really even started. However, you can never count this program out of anything as it rebounded to return to form, winning five straight games and now they’re just one game back of North Carolina.

Speaking of the Tar Heels, Duke defeated its top rival last week, 86-78, at Cameron Indoor to pull within a game of first place in the conference. They added another victory against Clemson to end the week and the remaining goals are clear for this team.

If the Blue Devils can win out that means beating Florida State, Virginia and North Carolina again they can win the ACC. The remaining schedule is brutal, but this team is playing well once again.