In a commanding display of collegiate basketball, the third-ranked Duke Blue Devils demonstrated their formidable talent, overpowering Syracuse with a decisive 101-64 win. This victory not only extended Duke's winning streak to three games but also served as a critical tune-up before their impending high-stakes encounter with Michigan. The team's cohesive play and individual brilliance were evident throughout the contest, setting a strong precedent for their upcoming challenges.
The game, held in Durham, North Carolina, saw freshman sensation Cameron Boozer deliver an outstanding performance. Boozer was virtually unstoppable, sinking 8 of his 10 field goal attempts to amass 22 points. His dominance wasn't limited to scoring; he also pulled down 12 rebounds, marking his fourteenth double-double of the season. Complementing Boozer's efforts, Isaiah Evans was a significant offensive contributor, sinking three shots from beyond the arc en route to 21 points. Patrick Ngonbga II further bolstered Duke's scoring with 12 points, illustrating the depth and versatility of the Blue Devils' roster. Their collective accuracy from the field was remarkable, with the team achieving an impressive 62.3% shooting percentage overall.
Duke's control over the game was established early and progressively tightened. By halftime, the Blue Devils had built a substantial 40-24 lead, fueled by an 11-0 run that showcased their ability to accelerate and convert opportunities. Boozer had already notched a double-double in the first half, demonstrating his consistent impact. As the second half commenced, Duke quickly extinguished any hopes of a Syracuse comeback with an 8-2 run, expanding their lead beyond the 30-point mark. Their efficiency was particularly evident in the second half, where they connected on 13 of their initial 14 shots.
Conversely, Syracuse, despite efforts from William Kyle III and Nate Kingz who scored 12 and 10 points respectively, struggled to find an offensive rhythm against Duke's tenacious defense. The Orange, with a season record of 15-12, including a 6-8 standing in the Atlantic Coast Conference, entered the game with a need for a landmark victory. Although they had managed to secure two consecutive wins for the first time in a month, including a thrilling come-from-behind win against SMU, they were unable to replicate that success against the higher-ranked Duke. Their scoring woes were so pronounced that at one point, they were in danger of falling below their season-low point total of 59, only to rally slightly in the final minutes of the game.
With former Duke players, now NBA rookies, Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel observing from the stands, the Blue Devils delivered a performance that exuded confidence and readiness. This victory concludes their regular season schedule before they head into a pivotal neutral-site game against the top-ranked Michigan Wolverines. The dominant win over Syracuse provides Duke with significant momentum and a clear message of their capabilities as they prepare for what promises to be a challenging and eagerly anticipated matchup.
The decisive victory by the Duke Blue Devils against Syracuse underscored their exceptional team performance and individual brilliance, highlighted by freshman Cameron Boozer's stellar double-double. This commanding win, achieved through remarkable shooting accuracy and strategic play, firmly establishes their readiness for the crucial upcoming game against Michigan, reinforcing their position as a top-tier contender in collegiate basketball.