Throughout the season we'll look at bubble teams and assess whether they have a better chance of ending up in the NIT or the NCAA Tournament. Team: Duke
Record: 18-7
Good wins: Air Force, Indiana, Georgetown, Clemson
Bad losses: Virginia, Florida State
Comments: It's amazing that we've actually gotten to the point where there's a chance that Duke might miss the tournament, but it's reasonable to at least consider it. Their current four-game losing streak has the Blue Devils at 5-6 in the ACC.
Other views: Sportz Assassin says yesterday's loss to Maryland could place them smack dab on the bubble. Bracketology lists Duke as a 4 seed. Prior to the Maryland game they ranked 14th in RPI and eighth in Ken Pomeroy's ratings, and counting the Maryland game they rank 14th in the Sagarin ratings.
Verdict: The Blue Devils had a good enough non-conference schedule that if they go 7-9 in the ACC, they're in the tournament. But if they finish 6-10, they'd probably have to win a game or two in the ACC tournament to be safe. As much as fans everywhere think Duke gets preferential treatment from the college basketball establishment, I think the selection committee might relish the opportunity to show they don't play favorites. But it won't come to that. Duke is a good team that will play well down the stretch. I think they'll win four of their next five before the rematch with North Carolina and make the tournament comfortably.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Man, their non-conference wins are really saving their ass right now. They looked terrible against Maryland, like the type of the team that -- even if they do make the Tournament -- won't go anywhere in March. It's not often you can say that about Duke.
Like I said in my entry, Duke is fine if they get to at least 7-9 in the conference. But at 6-10, they'll be in some trouble. Not only will that most likely put them in 7th or 8th place in the ACC, but will make them 1-8 in their last 9 conference games and the Selection committee doesn't like the bring in teams on such a down streak like that. I think if they are on the fence with some other teams, the fact they are Duke gets them in. Not so much "preferential treatment" but the fact they of the teams they are grouped with, they do have the coaching and ability to make a mini run in the tournament.
Of course, the Carolina fan in me would love nothing more than to see them miss the dance. Oh, that would be fun!!!