Duke and UNC basketball have consistently held their ground among the top-25 teams in the college hoops season. Despite a setback for the 10th-ranked Blue Devils in their Champions Classic loss to Kentucky, they are now set to face the 17th-ranked Arizona and then the top-ranked Kansas. Meanwhile, the 12th-ranked Tar Heels had a one-game week and are gearing up to play in the Maui Invitational. Let's take a closer look at their rankings and performances. Unrivaled Basketball Rivals - Duke and UNC in the Spotlight
Duke Basketball's Recent Challenges
The Duke Blue Devils, once ranked 10th, faced a significant drop in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll after their loss to Kentucky. This setback has them now heading to Arizona with a need to regain their form. Their cramping issues during the game have raised some concerns, but the team is determined to bounce back. In the AP Top 25 Poll, Duke dropped to No. 12, showing the competitive nature of college basketball. They have a tough schedule ahead, with a showdown against the top-ranked Kansas on Nov. 26 in Las Vegas. 2: Duke's players are working hard to address the cramping issues and improve their overall performance. The coaching staff is implementing strategies to ensure the players stay in peak condition. With their talent and determination, Duke is expected to make a strong comeback and prove their worth among the top teams.UNC Basketball's One-Week Journey
The 12th-ranked Tar Heels had a one-game week where they beat American in a blowout victory. Now, they are headed to Hawaii to play the Rainbow Warriors and then face Dayton in the Maui Invitational. Despite losing one spot in the rankings, UNC remains a force to be reckoned with. Their consistent performance and strong team chemistry give them an edge in the upcoming games. 2: UNC's players are focused on maintaining their momentum and building on their win. The coaching staff is emphasizing discipline and teamwork to ensure they perform at their best in each game. With their experience and talent, UNC is expected to make a deep run in the Maui Invitational.USA TODAY Sports Coaches PollFirst-place votes in parentheses1. Kansas (21)2. UConn (3)3. Auburn (2)4. Gonzaga (1)5. Iowa State6. Purdue7. Houston7. Alabama9. Tennessee10. Duke11. Kentucky12. North Carolina13. Creighton14. Marquette15. Baylor16. Cincinnati17. Arizona18. Indiana19. Florida20. Illinois21. St. John’s22. Texas Tech23. Texas A&M24. Arkansas25. WisconsinStaff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter.
