The Duke Blue Devils walked into a hostile arena on Saturday and walked out with something far more valuable than just another tally in the win column. Their 66-60 victory over the Michigan State Spartans wasn’t simply about extending an undefeated record or spoiling a perfect start for a ranked opponent — it was a test of resolve, identity, and collective will. And according to head coach Jon Scheyer, that was exactly what made the difference.
Following the hard-fought win, Scheyer didn’t focus on strategy, scouting, or adjustments. Instead, he honed in on something intangible — the grit and determination his team summoned when it mattered most.
“At the end of the day, I just thought the will from our guys to make one or two more plays – Cam [Boozer] and Isaiah [Evans] down the stretch, Nik [Khamenia] and Dame [Sarr] made some big-time plays throughout, and then Caleb’s [Foster] clutch shot and clutch finishes,” Scheyer said. “I’m just really proud. This is a difficult place to play.”
Those final words — a difficult place to play — captured the weight of Duke’s victory. Road wins against Michigan State are never easy. Doing it with a young core, still forming its identity, makes it even more impressive. Yet Duke not only survived the environment — they rose to the moment.
CAMERON BOOZER: THE DOMINANT FORCE DUKE NEEDED
The engine behind Duke’s gritty performance was none other than freshman phenom Cameron Boozer. For weeks, he has been touted as one of college basketball’s most polished young stars. On Saturday, he showed exactly why.
Boozer delivered a monster stat line:
18 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists
This wasn’t just a strong game — it was the kind of all-around dominance that defines future No. 1 NBA Draft picks. Boozer controlled the boards, initiated offense, and made plays that veterans sometimes hesitate to take on the road. His combination of physicality and poise was unmatched, and Michigan State simply couldn’t find an answer.
What stood out most was his maturity. Every time Duke needed a momentum-shifting play — a rebound in traffic, a smart pass to a teammate, a finish through contact — Boozer delivered. His fingerprints were on every major run Duke made.
And with performances like this, it’s no surprise that Boozer is firmly in the conversation as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
CALEB FOSTER: STEADY, CONFIDENT, CLUTCH
While Boozer may have been the star, Caleb Foster was the closer.
Foster contributed 12 points, four rebounds, and two assists, but numbers don’t tell the full story. When Michigan State clawed back and the arena grew louder, Foster was the one who silenced the crowd. His late-game shot selection was fearless and precise, showing a maturity beyond his years.
Scheyer specifically praised Foster for his “clutch shot and clutch finishes” — a testament to the guard’s composure under pressure. Championship-caliber teams need players who aren’t afraid to take big shots. Foster proved he’s one of them.
NIK KHAMENIA AND ROLE PLAYERS STEP UP
Stars win games, but role players win championships — and Duke’s supporting cast showed they’re capable of delivering both stability and spark.
Nik Khamenia flirted with a double-double, tallying 10 points and nine rebounds. His energy and toughness kept Duke competitive on the glass, and his defensive activity helped slow down the Spartans’ physical attack.
Isaiah Evans and Dame Sarr also had standout moments, the kinds of plays that don’t always show in the box score but completely shift momentum. Whether it was a timely defensive stop, a key pass, or a hustle play to save a possession, Scheyer credited them with impacting the game in ways that truly matter.
These contributions weren’t limited to statistics — they showcased a team willing to do the dirty work.
THE DIFFERENCE? HEART, POISE, AND WINNING PLAYS
Scheyer’s message after the game was clear: this win wasn’t just about talent. It was about will.
Duke didn’t shoot lights out. They didn’t dominate from start to finish. They didn’t rely on sheer offensive firepower. Instead, they grinded. They defended. They rebounded. They executed.
Most importantly, they believed.
Scheyer emphasized that the difference came down to “one or two more plays,” but those plays were the product of relentless competitiveness — something he has been working to instill in his young roster.
A 10-0 START WITH CHAMPIONSHIP DNA
With this victory, Duke improved to 10-0 on the season, reaffirming themselves as one of the nation’s strongest teams. More importantly, they handed Michigan State its first loss of the year — on their home floor, no less.
This wasn’t just another win. It was a statement.
Duke showed that even with a roster full of young players, they can rise to the challenge against veteran teams in hostile environments. They showed they can embrace adversity instead of shrinking from it. And they showed that they possess a level of toughness that separates good teams from great ones.
If the Blue Devils continue playing with this much heart — headlined by stars like Boozer and backed by a confident supporting cast — their ceiling is as high as any team in the nation.
THE BLUE DEVILS AREN’T JUST WINNING — THEY’RE GROWING
Saturday’s victory wasn’t perfect. It was gritty. Messy. Hard-earned. And that’s precisely the kind of win that builds character.
Jon Scheyer sees it. The players feel it. And the rest of college basketball should take note.
Because if this 10-0 start is any indication, Duke isn’t just playing for today — they’re building toward something bigger, stronger, and potentially unstoppable.
