Duke vs. Florida: Blue Devils Host Gators in High-Stakes ACC/SEC Challenge Clash
The lights are on at Cameron Indoor, and the stage is set for a marquee matchup between two ranked programs as No. 4 Duke welcomes No.
15 Florida in the ACC/SEC Challenge. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
ET on ESPN, and if you’re a college hoops fan, this one’s got all the ingredients for a December thriller.
This isn’t just another non-conference game - it’s the heart of a three-game gauntlet for Duke, all against Top 25 opponents. The Blue Devils are already 1-0 in that stretch, coming off a gritty 80-71 win over No.
23 Arkansas on Thanksgiving Day in Chicago. That win was fueled by another electric performance from sophomore phenom Cameron Boozer, who dropped 35 points for the second time this season.
He’s not just filling the box score - he is the box score.
Through eight games, Boozer leads Duke in nearly every major category: points (22.9), rebounds (9.8), assists (3.9), and steals (1.8). He’s doing it all - scoring at all three levels, setting up teammates, crashing the glass, and defending with purpose.
Simply put, he’s the engine that’s powering Duke’s 8-0 start. And don’t overlook Patrick Ngongba II, who’s anchoring the paint with a team-best 1.1 blocks per game.
But Florida isn’t coming to Durham to play the role of spoiler - they’re coming to compete. The Gators are 5-2 on the year, with their latest outing being a hard-fought 84-80 loss to TCU on Thanksgiving. Their only other loss came in the season opener against Arizona, and since then, they’ve shown they can hang with high-level opponents.
What makes Florida dangerous is their balance. They’ve got five players averaging double figures: Thomas Haugh (17.9), Alex Condon (15.7), Boogie Fland (12.0), Rueben Chinyelu (11.1), and Urban Klavzar (10.6).
That kind of depth makes them tough to game plan for - there’s no single player to key in on. They spread the floor, move the ball, and punish defensive lapses.
This is the kind of matchup that tests a team’s identity. Duke’s defense will need to be sharp, rotations crisp, and transition defense locked in.
Florida loves to push the pace and will look to exploit any breakdowns. On the flip side, the Gators will have their hands full trying to contain Boozer, who’s been nearly unguardable when he gets downhill or finds his rhythm from deep.
And let’s not forget the setting - Cameron Indoor Stadium. One of the most electric environments in college basketball, it gives Duke a distinct edge, especially in high-stakes matchups like this. The crowd will be loud, the energy high, and every possession will matter.
After tonight, Duke heads to East Lansing for a showdown with No. 8 Michigan State on Dec.
- But first, they’ve got to handle a Florida team that’s hungry and more than capable of pulling off the upset.
How to Watch:
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial available)
- Tip-off: 7:30 p.m.
ET
- Location: Cameron Indoor Stadium, Durham, NC
Duke’s Upcoming Schedule Highlights:
- Dec. 6: at Michigan State
- Dec. 16: vs. Lipscomb
- Dec. 20: vs. Texas Tech (at Madison Square Garden)
- Feb. 21: vs. Michigan (Duel in the District - Washington D.C.)
- March 7: vs. North Carolina
- March 10-14: ACC Tournament in Charlotte
Bottom line: This one’s got the feel of a tournament game in early December. Two ranked teams, two elite programs, and a lot to prove on both sides. Buckle up.