Blue Devils blow past Orange
Durham, NC – The No. 3 Duke Blue Devils delivered a dominant performance Monday evening, overpowering Syracuse 101-64 at Cameron Indoor Stadium. This victory marks Duke’s 11th consecutive win against the Orange and represents their highest-scoring game in ACC play this season.
A Night of Offensive Efficiency
Duke’s offense was firing on all cylinders, shooting 62.3% from the field and an impressive 71.9% in the second half. Freshman Cameron Boozer led the charge with his 14th double-double of the season, contributing 22 points and 12 rebounds. Isaiah Evans added 21 points, while Patrick Ngongba II chipped in with 12.
Early Lead and Consistent Pressure
Despite a brief early lead by Syracuse, Duke quickly seized control with a 14-3 run. The Blue Devils maintained their momentum, closing the first half on an 11-0 run to establish a 40-24 advantage. Syracuse struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just 32.3% in the first half compared to Duke’s 51.7%.
Second-Half Surge
Duke continued to extend their lead in the second half, outscoring Syracuse 61-40. The Blue Devils’ offensive efficiency reached its peak, missing only one of their 14 shot attempts. The final score of 101-64 reflects Duke’s comprehensive victory.
Looking Ahead
With this win, Duke improves to a 24-2 overall record and a 13-1 record in ACC play. Their next challenge will be a nonconference neutral-site contest against No. 1 Michigan on Saturday, Feb. 21, in Washington, D.C., as part of The Edward Jones Capital Showcase. A strong performance against a top-ranked opponent like Michigan could further solidify Duke’s position as a national championship contender.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Duke vs. Syracuse game?
The final score was Duke 101, Syracuse 64.
Who led Duke in scoring?
Cameron Boozer led Duke with 22 points, also recording 12 rebounds for a double-double.
When and where will Duke play Michigan?
Duke will play Michigan on Saturday, Feb. 21, in Washington, D.C., as part of The Edward Jones Capital Showcase.
What does this decisive victory suggest about Duke’s potential as the season progresses?