Fansided

Duke basketball: When’s the last time Blue Devils missed NCAA Tournament?

By Sravan Gannavarapu

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 01: Harlond Beverly #5 of the Miami Hurricanes drives to the basket against the Duke Blue Devils during the first half at Watsco Center on February 01, 2021 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 01: Harlond Beverly #5 of the Miami Hurricanes drives to the basket against the Duke Blue Devils during the first half at Watsco Center on February 01, 2021 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Duke basketball is in danger of missing the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1995. 

When it comes to March Madness and teams expected to be there, a team like the Duke Blue Devils rarely misses out, but it could happen this year. Mike Krzyzewski‘s team currently sits at an 11-11 record after losing to Georgia Tech, with a matchup against rival North Carolina on Saturday to end the regular season.

This rivalry game has more at stake than bragging rights. Tournament implications are on the line. Should Duke not qualify for the tournament, it would be the first time since 1995 they failed to make March Madness. That was the year Coach K had to leave the team to undergo back surgery. The Blue Devils boast 24 consecutive tournament appearances, second only to the Kansas Jayhawks at 30.

Related Story. Blank printable March Madness bracket. light

Additionally, for Coach K, it would be the fourth time since he took over the Duke basketball program in 1980 that his team did not participate in the NCAA Tournament. This does not include last year when the tournament was canceled due to the pandemic. In their remarkable run, the Blue Devils have captured five national championships, nine national championship games and earned 12 appearances in the Final Four.

Duke may need to win the ACC Tournament to make the NCAA Tournament

According to the NET rankings, the Blue Devils only have one Quadrant 1 victory. That came against the Virginia Cavaliers. Still, it might not be enough to get into the tournament unless the Blue Devils pull off an incredible run and win the ACC Tournament, which would ensure their streak stays alive.

Next. 25 best buzzer-beaters in March Madness history. dark

For more NCAA basketball news, analysis, opinion and features, check out more from the FanSided college basketball section to stay on top of the latest action.