Rachael Kaplan

The Chronicle's 2025 March Madness brackets, title picks and sleeper teams

With Duke’s first round game right around the corner, The Chronicle’s men’s basketball beats break down their thoughts on the Blue Devils’ path to a sixth national championship and other March Madness storylines. Click through the gallery above to see our bracket predictions. 

ON THEIR HEELS: No. 2 Duke men's basketball's second-half surge defeats North Carolina 82-69

While North Carolina kept it interesting, Duke escaped its rival on the road, closing out the regular season with a 82-69 win. Four of Duke’s starters finished with double digits, and the visitors demolished the Tar Heels on the glass 39-26. The win was head coach Jon Scheyer’s second in the Dean E. Smith Center, and his second time sweeping North Carolina in the regular season — he did both in his first year as the Blue Devils’ head coach. 

Beats' picks: Can Duke complete season sweep of North Carolina, clinch sole ACC regular-season title?

For the second time this season, Duke will take on that team down the road in a rivalry bout. This time around, the Tar Heels come in with a winning streak and something to prove, while the Blue Devils are chasing an outright ACC regular season title. The Chronicle's beats break down the matchup with their predictions.

Women's college lacrosse 101: A beginner's guide to the sport's rules, terminology and season format

As spring sports are underway, The Chronicle is back with our breakdown of every sport, including key rules, terminology, tournament formats and more. This is our women's lacrosse edition.

No. 19 Duke women's lacrosse downs No. 17 Notre Dame and Xavier in home matchups

The 19th-ranked Blue Devils dismantled Xavier in Koskinen Stadium 16-9, fighting through a physical contest that included eight green cards and a yellow card from the visitors. This followed an 11-9 conference win against No. 17 Notre Dame Friday. Against the Musketeers, the defensive duo of juniors Sydney Smith and Madison Beale locked down their own zone, while both veterans and freshmen relentlessly attacked on the other end.

With multiple Blue Devils sidelined, Duke men’s basketball’s supporting cast stepped up against Florida State

Darren Harris' play represented common theme throughout, multiple Blue Devils — starters and role players alike — doing the little things well for Duke to win. 

5 halftime observations from No. 2 Duke men's basketball's contest against Florida State

No. 2 Duke men’s basketball returns home for a Saturday night clash with Florida State. After 20 minutes of play, the Blue Devils lead 47-30.

Beats' picks: How will Duke fare in nonconference tilt against Illinois in New York?

No. 3 Duke men’s basketball faces a rare February nonconference game tonight against Illinois. Before the 8 p.m. tipoff, check out who our beats think will win.

No. 3 Duke men's basketball coasts past Virginia 80-62, 3 Blue Devils finish with 17 points

No. 3 Duke downed Virginia 80-62. Though the Cavaliers kept pace with the Blue Devils through the first few minutes, Scheyer’s squad pulled away on three consecutive 3-pointers from Isaiah Evans and a dominant rebounding effort from Cooper Flagg. The Newport, Maine, native recorded a double-double in the first half alone just hours after receiving his record-tying 10th ACC Rookie of the Week honor. 

Beats' picks: Will No. 2 Duke go to Littlejohn Coliseum and defeat Clemson?

No. 2 Duke will look for its 17th straight win on the road against a Clemson team tied for second in the ACC. Our beats predict what will happen in the marquee matchup. 

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Duke's roster features the top-ranked freshman class in college basketball.