Duke’s Collapse vs. Texas Tech Raises Familiar Questions, But Scheyer’s Track Record Still Stands Strong
Jon Scheyer’s start as Duke’s head coach has been, by almost any measure, a success. A 100-23 record and a Final Four appearance speak for themselves. But as the Blue Devils head into ACC play, their most recent loss to Texas Tech has reignited a conversation that’s been quietly simmering since last March: can this team close?
Saturday’s 82-81 loss to Texas Tech wasn’t just a blemish on an otherwise strong early-season résumé - it was a gut punch. Duke led by 17 points in the second half and still couldn’t seal the deal. And while losses happen, especially in December against quality competition, the way this one unraveled felt all too familiar.
Flash back to last season’s NCAA Tournament. Duke had a 14-point cushion against Houston in the Final Four - and let it slip away in the final minutes.
That one stung because of the stakes. This one stings because of the déjà vu.
CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander didn’t hold back, calling the Texas Tech loss “the worst loss of Scheyer’s career so far.” And while it’s just one game, the manner in which Duke let it slip - surrendering a six-point lead with just 35 seconds left - is the kind of late-game meltdown that sticks in the memory.
Norlander’s podcast co-host, Gary Parrish, was quick to point out the Houston collapse, reminding everyone that this isn’t the first time Duke has seen a double-digit second-half lead evaporate in a high-profile matchup. That’s two major games, two major leads, and two major letdowns.
Now, let’s be clear - this doesn’t mean Duke has a chronic problem. Two games don’t make a trend, especially when you zoom out and look at the bigger picture.
This year’s squad is 11-1, with quality wins over Kansas, Arkansas, Florida, and Michigan State. That’s not just a strong start - that’s a résumé that puts you in the national conversation.
And of course, there’s Cooper Flagg. The freshman phenom has been the headline act for this Blue Devils team, and for good reason. But even with a talent like Flagg on the floor, Duke will need to tighten up in crunch time if they want to avoid more heartbreak when the games start to really count.
The good news? There’s still time.
ACC play tips off on New Year’s Eve against Georgia Tech, and that’s where the real measuring stick begins. Scheyer’s teams have proven they can win.
Now the question is whether they can finish.
For now, the loss to Texas Tech is a tough pill to swallow - not because Duke lost, but because of how they lost. And if that sounds familiar, well, that’s what makes it worth watching.