Duke basketball is hitting the road again, and this time, it’s a trip to Blacksburg for a high-stakes ACC clash with Virginia Tech at Cassell Coliseum. Tipoff is set for noon ET on Saturday, and with the Blue Devils riding high at 19-1 (8-0 ACC), all eyes will be on how they handle a tough Hokies squad in one of the league’s more underrated home environments.
Let’s set the stage.
Duke’s Dominance - But Don’t Sleep on Cassell
The Blue Devils have had the upper hand in this series historically, holding a 33-10 edge over Virginia Tech. They’ve also won the last three meetings, including a road win at Cassell last season - their first in Blacksburg since 2020.
That may not sound like a huge drought, but Cassell Coliseum has quietly been a house of headaches for Duke in recent years. A win on Saturday would give Duke back-to-back road victories over the Hokies for the first time since the early 2010s, when they rattled off four straight from 2011-12 to 2014-15.
Under Jon Scheyer, now in his fourth season at the helm, Duke is starting to look like a team that’s not just surviving conference play - it’s dictating it. They’re the last unbeaten team in the ACC and currently sit atop the standings. The Blue Devils are also ranked No. 4 in both the AP Poll and the USA Today Coaches Poll, and they’ve earned that spot with a blend of offensive firepower, defensive discipline, and depth that’s been on full display over the past month.
Recent Form: Duke Rolling, Hokies Holding Steady
Duke is coming off a statement win - an 83-52 dismantling of Louisville that not only completed a season sweep but also gave them their ninth Quadrant 1 victory of the year. That’s tied for the most in the country alongside Arizona, and it speaks to the kind of résumé Duke is building as March creeps closer.
Virginia Tech, meanwhile, enters at 16-6 (5-4 ACC) and is fresh off a 71-65 home win over Georgia Tech. Mike Young’s squad has been solid, especially at home, where they’ve traditionally played with grit and energy. The Hokies may not have the same national profile as Duke, but they’ve been known to play spoiler in these types of matchups - especially when the Cassell crowd gets going.
Key Matchup: Interior Play
One of the biggest factors in this one? Duke’s size and strength inside.
The Blue Devils have leaned heavily on their frontcourt this season, and it’s paid off in a big way. Whether it’s rim protection, second-chance points, or simply controlling the tempo, Duke’s interior presence has been a major separator in close games.
Virginia Tech will need to counter that with physicality and smart ball movement. If they can keep Duke honest in the paint and knock down perimeter shots, they’ve got a shot to make this one interesting late.
Broadcast Info
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial available)
- Tipoff: Saturday, Jan. 31 at 12:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Cassell Coliseum, Blacksburg, VA
What’s Next for Duke?
After Saturday’s game, Duke returns home to face Boston College before heading into a heavyweight rivalry matchup at North Carolina on Feb. 7. The schedule tightens from here, and every game matters as the Blue Devils chase an ACC title and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
But first, it’s Virginia Tech. A tough building, a capable opponent, and a chance for Duke to prove - once again - that they’re built to win anywhere, against anyone.