The Duke Blue Devils are off to a scorching 10-0 start this season, and they haven’t exactly taken the easy road to get there. Four of those wins have come against ranked opponents, and the non-conference gauntlet isn’t done yet.
Next up: a marquee showdown against No. 16 Texas Tech at Madison Square Garden on December 20.
It’s a heavyweight battle between two legitimate national title contenders, but what really has college basketball fans circling this one? The individual clash between Duke’s Cam Boozer and Texas Tech’s JT Toppin - a matchup that could define the early season.
This isn’t just a battle of big men - it’s a collision of two of the best players in the country, each the engine of their respective team. Boozer, the freshman phenom, is already pulling away in the National Player of the Year race. But if there’s anyone with the firepower and experience to challenge him, it’s Toppin, the Red Raiders’ junior leader who’s quietly putting together an elite campaign of his own.
Let’s break it down.
Cam Boozer vs. JT Toppin: A Clash of Titans
You don’t often see a freshman step into the college game and immediately look like the best player on the floor every night, but that’s exactly what Cam Boozer has done. At 6’9”, he’s averaging 23.0 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.7 steals per game, while shooting an efficient 55.9% from the field and a strong 37.2% from beyond the arc. He’s a matchup nightmare - too skilled for most bigs to guard on the perimeter, too strong for wings to handle inside.
What makes Boozer so dangerous is his versatility. He can stretch the floor, punish mismatches in the post, and create off the dribble.
If Texas Tech dares to pull Toppin out of the paint to check him on the perimeter, Boozer’s ability to attack closeouts could be a game-changer. On the flip side, he’ll have his hands full defensively.
Toppin is no easy assignment.
Despite Texas Tech’s 7-3 record, JT Toppin has been nothing short of dominant to start the season. The 6’9”, 230-pound forward is putting up 21.8 points and 11.4 rebounds per night, and he’s doing it efficiently - shooting 55.2% from the field.
He’s also contributing across the board with 2.1 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game. And he’s not just padding stats against weak competition: he’s dropped 30 or more points three times already, including a 30-point, 11-rebound performance in a tight battle with No.
17 Arkansas.
Toppin is a force in the paint - a smart, physical finisher who knows how to use his body and angles. Defensively, he’s one of the best interior anchors in the country, with elite timing as a shot-blocker.
His ability to protect the rim could be crucial if Duke tries to get downhill. That said, his footwork can betray him at times.
He’s been known to shuffle his feet on post moves, which has led to some costly travels.
Old-School Battle with a Modern Twist
What makes this matchup so compelling is that it brings a bit of an old-school flavor - two bigs who aren’t afraid to battle on the block - but with a modern twist. Both Boozer and Toppin can run the floor like guards, and both are comfortable operating in transition. This isn’t your classic slow-paced post duel; it’s a high-level chess match between two athletic, skilled forwards who can dominate at both ends.
And while the spotlight will be on Boozer and Toppin, don’t overlook the supporting casts. With both stars likely to command double-teams and draw heavy defensive attention, the role players on each side could swing this game. If Duke’s shooters knock down open looks or Texas Tech’s guards can create off the bounce, that could tip the scales.
Circle the Date
December 20 at Madison Square Garden isn’t just another non-conference game - it’s a potential Final Four preview and a showcase of two of the best players in the country. Boozer vs. Toppin is the kind of matchup that reminds us why we love college basketball: elite talent, high stakes, and a big stage.
For Duke, it’s a chance to keep the perfect season alive and solidify their standing as the team to beat. For Texas Tech, it’s an opportunity to make a national statement and prove they belong in the title conversation.
Either way, buckle up. This one’s going to be special.