Joe Lunardi reveals postseason implications of Duke-Virginia Tech matchup

There’s more on the line in the Duke–Virginia Tech matchup than a simple scratch in the win column. On Monday, ESPN’s Joe Lunardi revealed the heavy implications the ACC meeting carries.

“The Blue Devils have rejoined the top 16, but will need a win tonight in in Blacksburg to hold their new position,” Lunardi wrote.

In Lunardi’s latest Bracketology, Duke was listed as a No. 5 seed. However, after securing back-to-back wins over Louisville and Clemson this week, the Blue Devils have seemingly risen back into Lunardi’s good graces.

Duke’s triumph over Clemson was particularly impressive. Clemson sent Duke guard Tyrese Proctor to the free-throw line with 1 second left. Duke trailed by one point. Without skipping a beat, Proctor nailed both free throws, sealing Duke’s triumph.

Clemson peaked at No. 13 in the AP Top 25 following a 9-0 start, but lost its momentum in January after losing five of seven. Jared McCain led the way for Duke, notching a game-high 21 points while shooting an impressive 8-12 from the field.

Duke head coach Jon Scheyer was thrilled to see his team’s progress.

“Really proud,” Scheyer said. “Clemson, I think they’re a really good team, and to find a way to win, sometimes that’s what it’s about. We have to move on quickly to get ready for Monday.”

A lot on the line for Virginia Tech

Duke is starting to find its footing, but Virginia Tech is a dangerous bump in the road. Per Lunardi’s rankings, the team is No. 79 in the country. In other words, the Hokies are on the outside of the NCAA Tournament looking in.

They’ll be equally hungry for a victory on Monday evening. The team has the talent to find one. Virginia Tech is entering its matchup against Duke on a three-game win streak, most recently defeating Georgia Tech in blowout fashion.

In their 91-67 victory over Georgia Tech, the Hokies shot an incredible 32-58 (55.2%) from the field and 12-27 (44.4%) from beyond the arc. Further, the team tallied 23 assists while only committing seven turnovers.

“We’ve been playing the right way,” Young said after the game. “There was not a whole lot I didn’t like. It was a good night. We’re playing the game the right way.”

On Monday, Duke and Virginia Tech will square off at 7 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.