There are games where the scoreboard tells only part of the story, but every so often, a victory becomes a declaration — a reminder of why a team is dangerous, resilient, and impossible to overlook. Saturday afternoon at Cameron Indoor Stadium was one of those occasions. The Duke Blue Devils didn’t just extend their winning streak; they dominated a Wake Forest squad that came in hoping to steal momentum. From the opening tipoff, it was clear that Duke’s energy, discipline, and depth would be the story of the day. This wasn’t about flashy highlight reels or individual stardom — it was about teamwork, execution, and seizing control of every loose ball and every possession, no matter how small. By the time the final buzzer sounded, the 90‑69 result was not just a win; it was a statement.
Early Signs of a Tight Contest
The game began with Wake Forest showing fight and energy, matching Duke’s intensity early in the first half. The Demon Deacons looked poised to make it a competitive matchup, hitting several early shots from distance and keeping Duke from establishing a rhythm. For a while, the contest looked like it could go either way, with both teams exchanging points and defensive stops. Yet even in those moments of parity, Duke’s composure and discipline suggested that the balance of the game was gradually tilting.
A critical turning point arrived late in the first half. Duke went on a decisive 13‑0 run that flipped the game’s momentum. What made the run remarkable was that it wasn’t the result of a single player dominating — it was a team effort. Timely passes, relentless offensive rebounding, and patient shot selection combined to turn the tide. Wake Forest struggled to respond as Duke’s execution began to define the game.
Cameron Boozer Leads the Way
If there was one individual who embodied Duke’s dominance, it was freshman Cameron Boozer. The versatile forward showcased why he is one of the most promising talents in college basketball this season. Boozer finished the game with 32 points and nine rebounds, scoring efficiently from multiple areas of the court. Whether it was a post move, a pull-up jumper, or a strong drive to the basket, Boozer consistently forced Wake Forest to scramble defensively.
Boozer’s influence extended beyond scoring. Each time the Demon Deacons attempted to double-team him, he found teammates in open positions for easy baskets, turning individual attention into team success. His efficiency — making 11 of 20 shots and going a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line — kept Duke in control throughout the game. It wasn’t just a scoring performance; it was a masterclass in basketball IQ and leadership from a young player.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
While Boozer drew most of the attention, Duke’s victory was built on contributions from multiple players. Patrick Ngongba II added 13 points and seven rebounds, providing both physical presence and spacing on the floor. His ability to stretch the defense opened lanes for Boozer and other teammates to attack. Isaiah Evans came off the bench to contribute 11 points, maintaining Duke’s offensive pace when starters rested.
This balance is what makes Duke so dangerous. Opponents cannot focus on one star; when one player is contained, another steps up. Throughout the contest, the Blue Devils demonstrated this depth, highlighting the collective strength that has powered their current winning streak.
Dominance on the Boards
One of the most telling indicators of Duke’s control was their dominance in rebounding. The Blue Devils out-rebounded Wake Forest 43 to 22, including a significant advantage in offensive rebounds. Each second-chance opportunity translated into points, slowly but surely widening the gap on the scoreboard. In college basketball, controlling the boards often dictates the flow of the game, and Duke’s superior positioning and effort ensured that Wake Forest never got a chance to mount a serious comeback.
Duke also dominated inside the paint, outscoring the Demon Deacons 48 to 16. The combination of strong interior defense and offensive efficiency around the basket made Wake Forest’s attempts to counter largely ineffective. Controlling the paint not only created scoring opportunities but also dictated the pace and physicality of the game — both of which Duke used to its advantage.
Wake Forest’s Effort and Duke’s Response
Wake Forest did not go quietly into the night. The Demon Deacons made 14 three-pointers, showcasing their ability to score from the outside and keep Duke honest. But their struggles inside the arc, hitting just 8 of 22 two-point attempts, made it difficult to close the gap. Duke’s interior defense, combined with timely rotations and hustle plays, effectively neutralized Wake Forest’s perimeter success.
Even as Wake Forest made runs to close the score, Duke responded with poise. The Blue Devils did not panic, a testament to their coaching and mental preparation. Each time Wake Forest inched closer, Duke executed with composure, converting on both ends to maintain control.
The Effect of a Shifted Game Schedule
Adding an extra layer to the day’s narrative was the unusual scheduling of the game. Originally slated for the evening, the tipoff was pushed to noon due to weather concerns. Changes like this can disrupt routines and preparation, but Duke adapted seamlessly. The Blue Devils were ready from the opening tip, illustrating not only talent but also discipline and mental readiness — qualities that often differentiate elite teams from the rest.
Sustaining Momentum in the ACC
With the 90‑69 victory, Duke improved to 18-1 overall and 7-0 in ACC play, solidifying their place at the top of the conference. The win demonstrates the Blue Devils’ ability to maintain momentum, even in games where the opposition shows fight. The combination of home-court advantage, execution, and depth allows Duke to consistently control games from start to finish.
Their streak is not just about winning; it’s about building a team identity. Duke now has a reputation for disciplined execution, strong interior play, and balanced scoring — qualities that will serve them well in both conference play and the NCAA Tournament.
Key Takeaways From the Victory
Balanced Scoring: Multiple players contributing offensively makes Duke unpredictable and difficult to defend.
Dominance on the Boards: Out-rebounding opponents by a significant margin created opportunities for second-chance points and controlled the tempo.
Interior Play: Outscoring in the paint and protecting the rim gave Duke a decisive edge.
Adaptability: Duke handled an early game schedule and Wake Forest’s three-point shooting with composure.
Team Chemistry: Passing, communication, and understanding of each role allowed the Blue Devils to execute consistently.
What This Means for Duke’s Season
Duke’s victory over Wake Forest is more than just a continuation of a winning streak. It reflects a team that can dominate in multiple ways — inside, outside, and on the boards — while remaining resilient against adversity. This adaptability is crucial for a team with national championship aspirations.
The Blue Devils have shown that success does not rely on a single star performance. Instead, it comes from the collective effort of players ready to step up whenever needed. This formula, when combined with elite coaching, has positioned Duke as one of the most formidable teams in college basketball this season.
Looking Ahead
As the ACC schedule continues, Duke will face teams that will challenge their defense, attempt to match their athleticism, and test their depth. The victory over Wake Forest shows that the Blue Devils are ready. Their ability to handle pressure, adjust to new circumstances, and execute under all conditions will be key as they aim to maintain their streak and compete for a national title.
Every close game, every defensive stand, and every successful interior possession is a building block. If Duke continues to play with the same balance, focus, and determination they displayed on Saturday, they could very well be peaking at the right time — when it matters most.
This game wasn’t just a win; it was a demonstration of what makes Duke basketball elite: balance, poise, and execution in every phase of the game. Cameron Boozer’s brilliance, the supporting cast’s contributions, and the team’s mental toughness combined to create a dominant victory over a worthy opponent. The streak continues, but more importantly, Duke is proving that they can win in multiple ways — a sign of a championship-ready team.
