{"id":38630,"date":"2026-01-28T22:04:49","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T02:04:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/ncaa-womens-basketball-duke-back-in-top-seed-contention-on-11-game-streak\/"},"modified":"2026-01-28T22:05:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T02:05:11","slug":"95704-ncaa-women-s-basketball-duke-back-in-top-seed-contention-on-11-game-streak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/95704-ncaa-women-s-basketball-duke-back-in-top-seed-contention-on-11-game-streak\/","title":{"rendered":"NCAA women’s basketball: Duke back in top-seed contention on 11-game streak"},"content":{"rendered":"

Duke women’s basketball has roared back into NCAA tournament contention<\/b> with an impressive 11-game winning streak<\/b> that’s captivated the college sports world. After a rough early season<\/b>, the Blue Devils<\/b> are now ranked number 20<\/b> nationally and undefeated in ACC play. Coach Kara Lawson<\/b>‘s squad is looking much like the top-10 team<\/b> many expected at season’s start.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udd25 Quick Facts<\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Winning Streak:<\/b> Duke has won 11 consecutive games<\/b>, matching the longest streak under coach Kara Lawson<\/li>\n
  • ACC Dominance:<\/b> Blue Devils sit 9-0 in conference play<\/b>, their best start in ACC history under Lawson<\/li>\n
  • Current Ranking:<\/b> No. 20<\/b> in latest AP Top 25 poll as of January 26, 2026<\/li>\n
  • Tournament Projection:<\/b> Duke back in serious top-seed contention<\/b> for NCAA March Madness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    One Month Ago, Success Seemed Distant<\/h2>\n

    Duke’s early-season struggles put the program on shaky ground. The Blue Devils<\/b> started the season outside the top 10<\/b>, raising doubts about their tournament pedigree. Losses to quality opponents<\/b> created concern that rebuilding might take longer than expected. But Kara Lawson<\/b> didn’t panic.<\/p>\n

    Instead, the veteran coach regrouped her rotation<\/b> and emphasized defensive intensity<\/b>. The team adjusted its approach<\/b> on both ends of the floor, focusing on ball movement<\/b> and perimeter defense<\/b>. What followed was one of the most impressive stretches in Duke women’s basketball<\/b> this decade.<\/p>\n

    An 11-Game Winning Streak Changes Everything<\/h2>\n

    Since hitting bottom, Duke<\/b> has been virtually unstoppable. The 11-game winning streak<\/b> includes dominant performances against ranked opponents and ACC rivals alike. Each victory has added confidence and chemistry<\/b> to a roster that now plays lock-down defense<\/b>. Players are sharing the basketball<\/b>, and the perimeter shooting<\/b> has become reliable.<\/p>\n

    Louisville<\/b> felt this dominance firsthand when Duke swept the season series with a convincing victory. The Pittsburgh Panthers<\/b> couldn’t contain the Blue Devils’ offensive flow<\/b>. Even Georgia Tech<\/b> and Virginia<\/b> found themselves helpless against Duke’s balanced attack<\/b> and smothering defense<\/b>.<\/p>\n

    Top Seed Dreams are Now Realistic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Factor<\/td>\nDuke Status<\/td>\nPath Forward<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Current Ranking<\/td>\nNo. 20<\/b> AP Poll<\/td>\nTarget Top 5 by March<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Record<\/td>\n14-6 overall, 9-0 ACC<\/b><\/td>\nMaintain ACC dominance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Momentum<\/td>\n11 wins in a row<\/b><\/td>\nExtend streak vs Miami<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Seed Projection<\/td>\n5-7 seed range<\/b><\/td>\n1-4 seed within reach<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

    According to USA Today bracketology<\/b>, Duke has climbed back into serious consideration for a top NCAA tournament seed<\/b>. Early-season struggles threatened to derail tournament hopes entirely, but the 11-game winning streak<\/b> has completely shifted the narrative.<\/p>\n

    \n“Early season was rough for Duke, but it’s riding an 11-game win streak and back in contention for a top NCAA Tournament seed.”\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    \u2014 USA Today Sports<\/b>, Bracketology Analysis<\/p>\n

    Can the Blue Devils Stay Hot Down the Stretch<\/h2>\n

    Duke faces Miami<\/b> on Thursday night looking to extend the winning streak<\/b> and pad their ACC credentials<\/b>. The schedule ahead is manageable<\/b>, with several winnable games<\/b> remaining in conference play. If the Blue Devils<\/b> continue this elite defense<\/b> and efficient offense<\/b>, a top seed<\/b> remains achievable.<\/p>\n

    Coach Kara Lawson<\/b> has proven she can elevate a team rapidly. Her leadership during the early-season downturn showed her championship pedigree<\/b>. Now, with momentum on their side and tournament momentum<\/b> building, Duke women’s basketball stands on the brink of something special. The question is whether they can maintain this level<\/b> through March Madness<\/b>.<\/p>\n

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    Watch the Magic Unfold<\/h3>\n