Feb 28, 2015 06:50 PM EST By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

The Syracuse Orange's matchups with the Duke Blue Devils (4) have lost a lot of hype due to recent events, but their game Saturday night is still vital for the latter's ACC title hopes.

Syracuse will not play in the postseason, as they self-imposed the punishment for NCAA violations, but Duke is still chasing Virginia for the top ACC spot. Duke may also have a hard time earning a one-seed for the NCAA Tournament if they lose Saturday.

CLICK HERE to listen to the game live via TuneIn. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET in Durham, N.C.

The matchup features two key matchups: two of the best centers in college basketball and the two winningest coaches in men's division I basketball history.

Duke is coming off a 91-86 win over Virginia Tech overtime win which was their eighth win in a row and 11th in their last 12 games.

"We finally participated at the level we needed to do to be worthy of winning," coach Mike Krzyzewski said in a pregame press conference, according to ESPN. "I'm glad we turned it on for the last 15 minutes of regulation and then overtime."

As it was on Feb. 14, when Duke last played Syracuse, Okafor's matchup with Rakeem Christmas will be the one to watch. Last time, Okafor had 23 points and 13 rebounds, whereas Christmas finished with 11 and six.

While freshman standout center Jahlil Okafor is the centerpiece to Duke's offense, guards Quinn Cook and Tyus Jones have been key contributors.

"I just think our continuity on the floor, our chemistry has been great," Cook said in a pregame presser. "Myself and Tyus (Jones) work together in transition. Obviously, Jah gets all the attention, so just playing off him, guys shooting the ball with confidence - it's just a team effort."

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