ACC’s shaky nonconference showing creates NCAA bid drama as bulk of league play arrives

No one knows that better than N.C. State coach Kevin Keatts, whose team last year found a never-before-seen form just in time to improbably win the league tournament and reach the Final Four. A season that began with the publicly stated goal of earning more NCAA Tournament bids — backed by the league continuing to outperform its peers in March Madness — instead had a jarring nonconference showing.

Preview: Notre Dame at No. 4 Duke

There wasn’t a blown call that sparked this winning streak. Duke has won nine straight games entering Saturday’s game against Notre Dame. It’s a run that has seen Duke improve defensively, from elite to the nation’s best, and has featured the Blue Devils hitting their stride offensively.