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College Basketball Power Rankings: Week 18

By Nathaniel Reeves

Feb 1, 2017; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason (0) celebrates after forcing a turnover during the second half of the game against the Baylor Bears at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks won 73-68. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2017; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason (0) celebrates after forcing a turnover during the second half of the game against the Baylor Bears at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks won 73-68. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 4, 2017; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski at the end of the first half. The Tar Heels defeated the Blue Devils 90-83 at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski at the end of the first half. The Tar Heels defeated the Blue Devils 90-83 at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
17

Duke Blue Devils

Last week: 22-7. 10-6 ACC
Last rank: 14

Duke’s wildly inconsistent season continued ahead of the postseason, as the Blue Devils split a difficult pair of games in Week 17.

The Blue Devils held off Florida State in Tuesday’s 75-70 home win, an impressive enough victory considering the blowout loss in Tallahassee back on Jan. 10. Duke was unable to complete the season sweep of rival North Carolina on Saturday, dropping a back-and-forth 90-83 contest for its third loss in four games.

A seven-point road loss to one of the national title favorites is not a cause for concern, but the Blue Devils will be disappointed after their offense fell apart in the final minutes, and have not played a complete game since Feb. 9’s win over the Tar Heels. The main concern for Mike Krzyzewski right now is Jayson Tatum, who has not shot the ball well over the past four games following a hot stretch that coincided with Duke’s seven-game winning streak.

Duke still ranks 10th in KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency with a number of options from the perimeter, and the defense has played well enough at times for a deep March run despite some clear flaws. While Tatum’s cold stretch and Grayson Allen’s health are red flags, the Blue Devils have to be thrilled with the emergence of Frank Jackson, who has scored at least 15 points in three straight games.

The Blue Devils are the No. 5 seed in the ACC Tournament and will open on Wednesday against the winner of Clemson and NC State. A victory would set up a huge quarterfinal showdown with Louisville.