Duke Basketball’s Nonconference Report Card: Big Wins, One Gut-Punch Loss, and Lessons for ACC Play
Duke’s nonconference slate had all the makings of a statement stretch - marquee wins, breakout performances, and the kind of grit that usually travels well into March. But it ended with a reminder that even the best teams can let one get away.
The No. 3 Blue Devils closed out nonconference play with a dramatic 82-81 loss to No.
19 Texas Tech at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 20.
It was a game Duke had in its grip, leading by 17 at one point, but the Red Raiders clawed back - overcoming foul trouble and a short-handed rotation - to notch their first-ever win over Duke and their first ranked victory of the season.
Still, there’s a lot to like about what Jon Scheyer’s group accomplished through the first leg of the season. The Blue Devils went 4-1 against ranked opponents, and Scheyer hit a milestone along the way, becoming the fastest coach in ACC history to reach 100 career wins following a Dec. 16 victory over Lipscomb.
With ACC play on deck - starting Dec. 31 against Georgia Tech - and a high-profile nonconference clash with current No. 1/2 Michigan still looming on Feb. 21 in D.C., Duke’s early résumé is already loaded. Let’s break down what the Blue Devils have shown so far - the highs, the hiccups, and what it all means heading into the grind of conference play.
Signature Wins: Road Toughness, Neutral-Site Firepower, and a Cameron Classic
Dec. 6 at Michigan State (66-60)
This one might be the crown jewel of Duke’s nonconference campaign.
Playing in the always-hostile Breslin Center, Duke trailed at the break but flipped the script in the second half, outscoring the Spartans 35-26. A 15-7 run midway through the half gave the Blue Devils breathing room, and they closed it out with poise at the line.
The game featured 12 lead changes - a true test of composure, and Duke passed.
Nov. 18 vs. Kansas (78-66, Madison Square Garden)
Duke’s defense shined under the bright lights of MSG. The Blue Devils shut down the Jayhawks late, holding them without a field goal for the final five minutes and closing the game on a 9-2 run.
It was a physical, grind-it-out win that showed this team can close against elite competition.
Nov. 28 vs. Arkansas (80-71, Thanksgiving Day)
Cameron Boozer put on a show, dropping 35 points as Duke held off a relentless Arkansas squad. The Hogs led for much of the second half, but Duke never panicked.
Boozer’s scoring, combined with timely stops, helped the Blue Devils regain control and finish strong.
Home vs. Florida (Go-ahead 3 seals it)
In a game that had all the drama of March, Duke edged the defending national champs thanks to Isaiah Evans’ clutch three-pointer with 19.7 seconds left. Florida had rallied from a 15-point hole to take the lead with just over 30 seconds to play, but Duke answered - and that composure in crunch time could pay dividends down the line.
The One That Got Away: Texas Tech Comeback Stuns Duke
Duke’s only nonconference blemish came in dramatic fashion. The Blue Devils were up 17 and looked to be in control, but free-throw woes (12 misses) and lapses in execution opened the door for Texas Tech.
The Red Raiders, despite missing three players to injury and losing two more to fouls with over 11 minutes left, dug deep. JT Toppin managed foul trouble all game, but Texas Tech found a way.
It was a reminder that no lead is safe when the fundamentals - free throws, defensive rotations, late-game decisions - slip. And while it stings, it’s the kind of loss that can sharpen a team heading into conference play.
Opening Statement: Win Over Texas Sets the Tone
The season opener against Texas in Charlotte gave us an early look at Duke’s potential. The Blue Devils trailed at the half and saw their lead trimmed to three late, but they responded with a strong finish to secure a 75-60 win. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a tone-setter - this team can take a punch and punch back.
Handling Business Against Mid-Majors
Duke didn’t just beat its mid-major opponents - it overwhelmed them. The Blue Devils cracked triple digits in wins over Niagara (100-42), Indiana State (100-62), and Army (114-59), showing their offensive firepower when the pace picks up.
Even when things got sloppy - like a 16-turnover first half against Lipscomb - Duke found a way to clean it up and close strong. That kind of in-game course correction is a good sign for a team with championship aspirations.
Player Spotlight: Boozer Leads the Way, Supporting Cast Emerging
Cameron Boozer has been nothing short of dominant. He’s averaging 23.2 points per game - among the best in the country - and leads Duke in rebounds (10), assists (4.0), and steals (1.7). He’s been the engine, the closer, and the tone-setter.
Patrick Ngongba II has quietly become a key piece as well. He leads the team in blocks (1.5) and contributes 11.1 points per game, giving Duke a reliable interior presence on both ends. Isaiah Evans, at 11.8 points per game, has shown flashes of big-shot ability - none bigger than his dagger against Florida.
But against Texas Tech, both Evans and Ngongba were held to just one made field goal apiece. That can’t happen in conference play. Duke will need more consistent production from its secondary scorers to complement Boozer, especially when games tighten up.
What’s Next: ACC Grind Begins
With nonconference play in the rearview, the real test begins. The ACC is deep and physical, and Duke will be tested in all the areas that gave them trouble against Texas Tech - free-throw shooting, late-game execution, and managing foul trouble.
There’s still a lot of basketball left, but if the Blue Devils can clean up the details and stay healthy, they’ve shown they can beat anyone, anywhere. The pieces are in place. Now it’s about putting it all together when it matters most.