Duke Basketball to Face Texas Tech at Madison Square Garden on December 20
Durham, N.C. — One of the most storied programs in college basketball is set for a marquee non-conference showdown this winter. Duke men’s basketball will return to Madison Square Garden on Saturday, December 20, 2025, to face the Texas Tech Red Raiders in what promises to be one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the early season. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST and the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, ensuring fans around the country will have the opportunity to tune in.
For Duke, playing at “The World’s Most Famous Arena” has become something of a tradition, and each appearance carries significant weight. The Blue Devils have long embraced games in NBA arenas, both for the atmosphere and the chance to test themselves against elite competition. This matchup against Texas Tech fits perfectly into that philosophy.
A Battle of Tournament Veterans
Both teams enter the 2025–26 season fresh off deep postseason runs. Under head coach Jon Scheyer, Duke reached the Final Four last spring, further cementing its reputation as one of college basketball’s ultimate blue-blood programs. The Blue Devils finished the season with a remarkable 35-4 overall record, captured both the ACC Tournament title and the regular-season crown, and extended their streak of high-level play in Scheyer’s third year at the helm.
Texas Tech, meanwhile, proved itself as one of the nation’s toughest squads. The Red Raiders compiled a 28-9 overall record in 2024–25, with a 15-5 mark in the rugged Big 12 Conference. Their performance earned them a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, tying the highest seeding in program history. Texas Tech advanced all the way to the Elite Eight, marking only the third time the program has reached that stage of March Madness.
With both programs enjoying success and returning strong talent, the December 20th clash is expected to be more than just another non-conference contest. It will be a measuring stick for two teams with championship aspirations.
Duke’s Roster Outlook
The Blue Devils enter this season in an enviable position. While many programs lose significant talent after Final Four runs, Duke returns six key players from last year’s team. This continuity, combined with the arrival of the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class, gives Scheyer one of the deepest and most versatile rosters in college basketball.
Fans can expect to see a balance of proven veterans and exciting newcomers, a formula that has often fueled Duke’s best seasons. Having already recorded their 17th 30-win season in program history last year, the Blue Devils look primed to contend for another run through the ACC and into March.
Texas Tech’s Challenge
Texas Tech has built a national reputation over the past decade as a program defined by defensive toughness and relentless effort. The Red Raiders’ 2024–25 success was no accident; they showcased the ability to compete with — and defeat — some of the nation’s top teams. Finishing second in the Big 12, often regarded as the most competitive conference in college basketball, speaks volumes about their quality.
Facing Duke at Madison Square Garden presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Texas Tech. A victory would not only boost their résumé but also send a clear signal that they are capable of another deep NCAA Tournament run.
A Series with History
While Duke and Texas Tech do not share an extensive history, their limited meetings have already produced memorable moments.
The series began on December 20, 2018, at Madison Square Garden, where Duke earned a 69-58 victory. That game introduced fans to the intensity that would define this matchup moving forward.
The teams met again in the 2022 NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen in San Francisco, with Duke emerging victorious 78-73 in a thriller that highlighted both programs’ competitive spirit.
The December 20th contest will mark just the third meeting between the programs, but given the stakes and the talent on display, it is shaping up to be another classic.
Duke at Madison Square Garden
For Duke, Madison Square Garden has always held special meaning. The Blue Devils have thrived in the iconic venue, posting a 42-18 record (.700) in the modern era and a 48-24 all-time mark dating back to their first appearance on January 1, 1944, against LIU Brooklyn.
Beyond MSG, Duke has also established a reputation for excelling in NBA arenas in general. The Blue Devils are 103-34 (.752) in such venues, a testament to the program’s ability to adapt to big stages — an essential trait for postseason success.
A Packed Non-Conference Schedule
The Texas Tech showdown is only one highlight in Duke’s grueling non-conference slate for the 2025–26 season. Scheyer has once again constructed a schedule filled with elite opponents designed to prepare his team for the challenges of the ACC and beyond.
Duke will face seven opponents that reached the NCAA Tournament last year, including:
Texas (Nov. 4, Charlotte, N.C.)
Kansas (Nov. 18, New York, N.Y.)
Arkansas (Nov. 27, Chicago, Ill.)
Florida (Dec. 2, Durham, N.C.)
Michigan State (Dec. 6, East Lansing, Mich.
Texas Tech (Dec. 20, New York, N.Y.)
Michigan (Feb. 21, Washington, D.C.)
Of those seven, five advanced to the Sweet 16 last season, and three reached the Elite Eight. Clearly, Duke will be tested early and often, with the December 20th clash serving as both a midseason marker and a preview of the intensity expected in March.
The Texas Tech game also represents Duke’s second appearance at Madison Square Garden this fall, as they will face Kansas there on November 18. Two opportunities in the same season to perform at MSG highlight the Blue Devils’ national stature and the demand for their games on the biggest stages.
Ticket Information
Fans eager to attend the game in person will have their chance when individual tickets go on sale on September 18. Tickets can be purchased at the Ticketmaster Box Office at Madison Square Garden (4 Penn Plaza) or online at www.ticketmaster.com
For larger groups, the Group Sales Department can be reached at 212-465-6080 or Group.Sales@msg.com
. Additionally, accessible and companion seating will be available through the Accessibility Services Department at 888-609-7599 or AccessibilityServices@msg.com
The December 20 meeting between Duke and Texas Tech is more than just a non-conference game — it is a collision of two programs that have earned national respect. With Duke bringing a blend of experienced talent and fresh star power, and Texas Tech looking to build on its Elite Eight run, fans can expect intensity, passion, and likely a close finish.
