Duke just made the biggest jump to the top of the rankings in more than seven years. Avoiding becoming the third team in as many weeks to get knocked off that perch could be a challenge.
That's because the Blue Devils' first opponent after climbing back to No. 1 will be 24th-ranked Temple, which visits Cameron Indoor Stadium on Wednesday night riding an eight-game winning streak.
"We always use (games like this) to simulate the (NCAA) tournament, playing a team that's going to be a high seed," Duke star Nolan Smith said. "They're a Top 25 team, and it's going to help us stay focused. ... It's going to be a big-time game."
The nation's top four teams all losing last week let Duke (25-2) move atop the latest AP poll after being fifth, the biggest leap since Kansas went from sixth in November 2003. The Blue Devils were No. 1 before losing in early January, then Ohio State had that spot until two weeks ago and Kansas lost last Monday night hours after being voted to the top.
"Being No. 1 right now doesn't matter at all," Smith said after Sunday's 79-57 win over Georgia Tech. "Last year's team, we weren't No. 1 until the end."
The defending national champions clearly have a big advantage playing at home. Besides having won 34 in a row at Cameron overall, the Blue Devils have won 85 straight there against non-conference foes since a loss to St. John's on Feb. 26, 2000.
"They haven't lost a non-conference game there in forever," Owls senior Lavoy Allen said. "It's gonna be a great opportunity for us. It's a tough place to play."
Temple is 0-7 in Durham since winning its first visit in 1949 and has dropped the last eight meetings overall.
However, the Owls (21-5) have been tough against non-conference foes currently in the Top 25, beating Georgetown and losing to Texas A&M and Villanova by a combined seven points. Their most recent loss came at No. 25 Xavier, 88-77 on Jan. 22 in a game Temple led with 5:30 to play.
The Owls have since won a season-high eight straight, the last five by double digits. Ramone Moore has led them in scoring in four straight, averaging 22.3 points, but his exploits pale in comparison to what Smith has done.
The star guard earned a second consecutive ACC player of the week honor after scoring 20 of his 28 points in the second half Sunday. Smith is averaging 25.4 points in his last eight games and is 13 of 24 from 3-point range over the past five.
He's one of three players in the country averaging more than 20.0 points and 5.0 assists and leads the ACC in both categories.
"Nolan's had an incredible year," coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "I never talk about player of the year, but it's not even close in our conference."
Fellow senior Kyle Singler hasn't been playing as well, shooting 32.8 percent in the last five games - 4 of 17 from beyond the arc.
The forward might be more concerned Wednesday with battling on the boards against Allen, who became Temple's all-time leading rebounder Sunday in a 66-52 win over Saint Joseph's.
Allen has 1,045 rebounds after posting his fourth double-double in seven games with 12 boards and 14 points.
He's also a big reason the Owls lead the Atlantic 10 in points allowed at 61.0 per game, but they're facing a Duke team leading the ACC in scoring (83.0 ppg).
"It's an honor to play that program with that coach, and that storied tradition in that facility," Temple coach Fran Dunphy said. "... It's one of those atmospheres the kids are never gonna forget."
