The Duke Blue Devils have been on a remarkable run as of Tuesday night. They emerged victorious in their fifth consecutive game, defeating the George Mason Patriots by a convincing 68 - 47 margin. This win not only solidified their hold on the No. 3 spot in the KenPom rankings but also showcased the dominance of their defense.

Defense: A Fortress on the Court

The Duke defense was in top form against George Mason. They held the Patriots to a meager 29.4% from the field and an astonishing 11.8% from 3 - point range. This is the second straight game where they have limited their opponents to fewer than 50 points. Remarkably, throughout the season, the Blue Devils have not allowed more than 78 points in a single game. Their adjusted defensive efficiency ranking stands at an impressive 88.5 points allowed per 100 possessions, securing them a second - place position in this category. 1: The defensive prowess of the Duke Blue Devils is truly remarkable. Their ability to shut down the opposing team's offense is a key factor in their success. By forcing George Mason to take low - percentage shots and limiting their scoring opportunities, the Blue Devils were able to control the game from the start. This kind of defensive discipline is a testament to the coaching staff's ability to instill a winning mentality in the team. 2: The consistency of the Duke defense is also worth noting. In consecutive games, they have been able to hold their opponents to low scores, demonstrating their ability to adapt to different opponents and game situations. This kind of defensive stability is rare and gives the Blue Devils a significant advantage over their rivals.

Offensive Struggles and Cooper Flagg's Performance

While the defense was thriving, the offensive side of the Duke Blue Devils continued to face some challenges. For the second straight game, they scored fewer than 30 points before halftime. Their shooting percentage of 37.5% from the field and 33.3% from 3 - point range was not up to their usual standards. However, freshman superstar Cooper Flagg stepped up and delivered a stellar performance. He finished with 24 points, with 17 of those coming after halftime. This was his fifth 20 - point performance of the season, showcasing his growing maturity and skill as a player. 1: Despite the offensive struggles, Cooper Flagg has shown that he is a force to be reckoned with. His ability to score in key moments and take over the game when needed is a valuable asset for the Duke Blue Devils. His performance against George Mason was a reminder of his potential and his ability to make an impact on the game. 2: Flagg's rise to prominence is also significant for the future of the Duke program. As a freshman, he is already making a name for himself and is being compared to some of the great players in Duke history. His performance on the court is a testament to the talent and potential of the current Duke roster.

North Carolina's Struggles and Duke's Next Opponent

The North Carolina Tar Heels had a tough Tuesday as they lost their fifth game of the year. This setback dropped them down to 28th in the rankings. On the other hand, Duke's next opponent, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, currently sits at 111th with a 4 - 6 record. This presents an opportunity for the Duke Blue Devils to continue their winning streak and improve their standing in the rankings. 1: The struggles of North Carolina highlight the competitiveness of the ACC. Even the top teams in the conference can have off days and suffer losses. Duke will need to be focused and ready to take on their next opponent, as they look to build on their recent success. 2: The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets pose a challenge for the Duke Blue Devils. With a relatively low ranking and a record of 4 - 6, they will be looking to upset the higher - ranked team. Duke will need to bring their A - game and play with the same intensity and focus that they have shown in their previous games.