Cameron Boozer Leads No. 4 Duke to Statement Win at Virginia Tech, Extends ACC Streak to 9-0
Duke’s blueprint for winning basketball games this season has been simple but brutally effective: dominate the paint, control the tempo, and let their young star shine when it matters most. That formula was on full display Saturday afternoon as the No. 4 Blue Devils extended their ACC win streak to 9-0 with a 72-58 road win over Virginia Tech.
And at the center of it all-again-was freshman forward Cameron Boozer.
Boozer Takes Over
From the opening tip, Boozer looked like a player who knew exactly how to exploit the Hokies’ interior defense. He poured in 24 points, setting the tone early with a mix of strength, finesse, and timing that’s becoming his trademark. Whether it was a quick post move, a fastbreak dunk, or a step-out jumper, Boozer had answers for everything Virginia Tech threw at him.
The first half saw him carve up the Hokies inside, scoring eight of his early points in the paint and punctuating Duke’s early surge with a highlight-reel slam in transition. But it was what he did down the stretch that truly defined the game.
With just over six minutes left, Duke’s once-comfortable 16-point lead had been whittled down to six. The crowd was alive, momentum was shifting, and the Hokies looked ready to make a push.
That’s when Boozer took the game into his own hands. He scored the next seven points for the Blue Devils-attacking the rim, getting to the line, and finally drilling a dagger three with 90 seconds left to put the game out of reach.
It was a performance that didn’t just seal the win-it reinforced Boozer’s growing case as a frontrunner for National Player of the Year. The Miami native isn’t just putting up numbers; he’s delivering when the game hangs in the balance.
One Word: Controlled
If there’s one word to describe Duke’s performance in Blacksburg, it’s controlled. This wasn’t a blowout, but it didn’t need to be.
The Blue Devils never trailed, never panicked, and never allowed Virginia Tech to dictate the pace. Even during a second-half scoring drought that lasted close to three minutes, Duke stayed composed.
Sophomore wing Isaiah Evans broke the dry spell, and the Blue Devils quickly got back to their game plan.
And that game plan? Pound the paint.
Duke scored 46 of its 72 points at the rim, marking the fifth straight game with at least 42 points in the paint. That’s not a coincidence-it’s a strategy.
And it’s working.
When Duke scores at least 40 in the paint, they’re a perfect 12-0 this season. That stat tells you everything you need to know about what makes this team tick.
They don’t live or die by the three. They don’t rely on isolation heroics.
They wear you down inside, force you to collapse, and then punish you with timely perimeter shots or second-chance points.
A Winning Formula Under Scheyer
Head coach Jon Scheyer has built a team identity that’s as physical as it is poised. Offensively, they start by establishing Boozer and the frontcourt as interior threats.
That opens up the floor and creates high-percentage looks. Defensively, they clamp down in the second half, protect the paint, and force opponents into low-efficiency shots.
That balance-between offensive execution and defensive grit-has carried Duke to a 20-1 record, their best start since the 2007-08 season. And while the names on the roster may be young, the way this team handles pressure feels anything but.
Saturday’s win was more than just another notch in the win column. It was a reminder that Duke isn’t just riding talent-they’re executing a clear, effective game plan. And when that plan is anchored by a player like Boozer, who can flip a switch and take over in crunch time, the ceiling only gets higher.
As the Blue Devils head into the heart of ACC play, one thing is clear: this team knows exactly who it is-and that identity is winning basketball games.