Duke basketball opens its west coast swing at California on Wednesday, Jan. 14, marking one of the most anticipated late-night tipoffs of the Blue Devils’ ACC schedule. As conference play intensifies and NCAA Tournament positioning begins to take shape, every road game carries added weight — especially one played nearly 3,000 miles from Durham.
The No. 6 Blue Devils (15-1, 4-0 ACC), led by fourth-year head coach Jon Scheyer, will face the California Golden Bears (13-4, 1-3 ACC) and head coach Mark Madsen at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley. Tipoff is scheduled for 11 p.m. ET (8 p.m. PT) on ACC Network, making it a must-watch late game for Duke fans across the country.
This matchup represents Duke’s first trip to Berkeley in nearly four decades and only the second ACC meeting between the programs since Cal joined the conference. Duke won last season’s meeting 78-57, a game that showcased the Blue Devils’ defensive intensity and depth.
Duke enters west coast trip riding momentum
Duke arrives in California playing some of its best basketball of the season in terms of results, if not perfection. The Blue Devils are undefeated in ACC play at 4-0 and are coming off back-to-back ranked wins — an 84-73 road victory at Louisville followed by an 82-75 home win over SMU.
Those victories weren’t just about the scoreboard. They tested Duke in hostile environments and close-game situations, something that becomes invaluable as the calendar moves deeper into January and February. While Duke’s offense has been consistently elite, the recent stretch has also highlighted areas the coaching staff wants tightened, particularly on the defensive end.
Still, winning on the road in conference play is never easy, and Duke has shown composure beyond its years, especially for a roster blending youth, experience, and NBA-level talent.
Cameron Boozer continues to anchor Duke’s dominance
At the heart of Duke’s success is Cameron Boozer, who has emerged as one of the most complete players in college basketball. Boozer leads the Blue Devils in nearly every major statistical category, averaging:
22.9 points per game
9.5 rebounds per game
4.2 assists per game
1.8 steals per game
His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor has made Duke extremely difficult to defend. Boozer can score in isolation, facilitate offense, rebound in traffic, and defend multiple positions. On nights when Duke struggles defensively, Boozer’s steadiness often keeps the team afloat.
Inside, Patrick Ngongba II provides rim protection and physicality, leading the team with 1.4 blocks per game. His presence will be particularly important against a Cal team that looks to attack the paint and draw fouls.
Cal searching for consistency in ACC play
California enters the matchup with a solid overall record at 13-4 but has struggled to find its footing in ACC competition. The Golden Bears are 1-3 in conference play, with their lone ACC victory coming in dramatic fashion — a 72-71 home win over Notre Dame on Jan. 2.
Since then, Cal has dropped back-to-back road games, including an 84-60 loss at Virginia and a narrow 78-75 defeat at Virginia Tech. Those games exposed some of the challenges Cal faces against disciplined, physical opponents, particularly on the defensive end.
Offensively, Dai-Dai Ames leads the Golden Bears with 17.8 points per game. Ames is a dynamic scorer who can create his own shot, especially off the dribble. Duke’s perimeter defense will be tested by his ability to penetrate and kick to shooters.
Playing at Haas Pavilion, however, gives Cal a significant boost. Late-night west coast games have historically been tricky for visiting teams, especially those traveling from the East Coast. Energy, pace, and focus will be critical for Duke.
Series history favors Duke
Duke leads the all-time series against Cal 3-2, winning each of the last three meetings. The most recent matchup last season was one-sided, with Duke controlling the tempo and defense throughout a 78-57 victory.
Still, history means little once the ball tips. Cal’s roster is more experienced than in past seasons, and playing at home against a national power offers the Golden Bears an opportunity to make a statement.
What channel is Duke basketball vs Cal on today?
TV Channel: ACC Network
Live Stream: Fubo
The Duke vs. California game will air live on ACC Network and can be streamed on Fubo, which currently offers a free trial for new subscribers. Fans looking to catch the late-night action without cable will find streaming to be a convenient option.
Duke basketball vs Cal start time
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 14
Start time: 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT
The game tips off at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley, California, making it one of the latest start times Duke will have this season. Managing energy and focus will be key for the Blue Devils as they adjust to the west coast environment.
Duke basketball vs Cal prediction
Anna Snyder, Fayetteville Observer:
Duke 85, Cal 68
“It’s a long trip for the Blue Devils, but Scheyer will have his squad ready. Duke’s defense finally gets the breakthrough it’s been waiting for in conference play, controlling the boards and paint to roll to a comfortable victory in Berkeley.”
The prediction reflects confidence in Duke’s talent edge and preparation, particularly if the Blue Devils can reassert their early-season defensive identity.
Where is Duke basketball in latest polls and ACC standings?
Duke remains No. 6 in both the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll and the AP Top 25, firmly entrenched among the nation’s elite. In the ACC standings, the Blue Devils sit atop the conference at 4-0, tied with Clemson and Miami as the only remaining undefeated teams in league play.
With upcoming road games against Cal and Stanford, Duke has an opportunity to separate itself early in the ACC race and strengthen its NCAA Tournament résumé.
Duke basketball 2025-26 schedule snapshot
Duke’s remaining schedule features a mix of high-profile road tests and marquee home matchups, including:
Jan. 14: at California
Jan. 17: at Stanford
Jan. 24: vs. Wake Forest
Feb. 7: at North Carolina
Feb. 21: vs. Michigan (Washington, D.C.)
March 7: vs. North Carolina
Each game will play a role in shaping Duke’s postseason path, particularly as the Blue Devils aim to secure a top seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Final thoughts
Wednesday night’s matchup against Cal may not carry the national spotlight of Duke’s non-conference showdowns, but it’s the kind of game that defines championship-caliber teams. Late start. Long travel. Conference opponent hungry for an upset.
If Duke handles business, it reinforces its status as an ACC favorite and national contender. If not, it becomes a reminder that every possession matters in a league as unforgiving as the ACC.
Either way, all eyes will be on Berkeley even if it means staying up late.
