Duke Enters NCAA Tournament as a Top Contender, Faces Tough Path in East Region
Duke heads into the NCAA Tournament as a leading favorite, expected by many to make a deep run to the Final Four in San Antonio. Holding the No. 2 overall seed and ranked No. 1 in the AP poll, the Blue Devils boast a 31-3 record, with just one loss since Thanksgiving.
Their KenPom efficiency rating sits at a remarkable 38.15—the highest since Duke’s 2001 national title team. Only the 1999 Blue Devils posted a higher mark (43.01) at this stage, though they ultimately lost to UConn in the championship game. Despite their statistical dominance, Duke still faces the unpredictability that defines March Madness.
The East Region presents challenges, featuring strong programs like Alabama (a 2024 Final Four team), Big Ten runner-up Wisconsin, No. 4 seed Arizona (14th in KenPom), and No. 5 seed Oregon, which boasts wins over several top-tier opponents.
Duke opens tournament play on Friday at 2:50 p.m. at the Lenovo Center, facing the winner of a First Four matchup between American University and Mount St. Mary’s. While they’ll be heavy favorites, the Blue Devils are no strangers to early upsets, including a shocking 2014 loss to No. 14 seed Mercer in Raleigh.
To live up to their billing, Duke must navigate the minefield of March Madness and validate their elite metrics with on-court performance.
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