DURHAM, NC — In an evening filled with emotion, history, and intense competition, the Niagara Purple Eagles fought valiantly but ultimately fell 100–42 to the fifth-ranked Duke Blue Devils on Friday night inside the storied walls of Cameron Indoor Stadium. The game marked a significant homecoming for Niagara head coach GREG PAULUS, who returned to the arena where he once starred as Duke’s point guard. While the final score tilted heavily in the Blue Devils’ favor, the contest provided valuable experience and flashes of promise for a young Niagara squad still growing into its identity. The Purple Eagles moved to 2–3 on the season, while Duke remained undefeated at 6–0.
A NIGHT OF EMOTION AND INTENSITY
From the opening tip, the energy in the building was unmistakable. Paulus received a warm welcome from the Duke faithful, but once play began, the Blue Devils wasted no time asserting themselves. Duke opened the game on a 10–3 run before the first media timeout, with TRENTON WALTERS knocking down Niagara’s lone early basket—a three-pointer that momentarily quieted the home crowd.
Walters continued his confident shooting, adding another triple at the 14:21 mark to cut the deficit to 15–6. While Duke’s depth and athleticism began to stretch the margin, Niagara battled for every possession, focusing on disciplined ball movement and aggressive rebounding. The Purple Eagles collected four offensive rebounds in the first half, with KABEYA TSHIBANGU leading the effort on the glass.
WALTERS SHINES IN THE FIRST HALF
Niagara’s standout performer of the half was Walters, who poured in nine points on 3-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc. His rhythm from deep provided a spark whenever the Purple Eagles needed a boost. JUSTIN PAGE also contributed by knocking down a three-pointer of his own and adding two free throws to reach five points at the break.
Despite Niagara’s resilience, Duke closed the first half strong and entered the locker room with a 47–19 advantage. The Purple Eagles, however, remained composed, determined to bring more energy and execution into the second half.
DUKE OPENS SECOND HALF STRONG, BUT NIAGARA CONTINUES TO COMPETE
The Blue Devils opened the final period with another burst of scoring, crafting a 10–2 run that pushed their lead to 57–21. Yet, even as Duke’s offense heated up, Walters continued to answer. He connected on two more three-pointers in the half, ultimately finishing the night with a team-high 15 points on an efficient 5-of-10 from long range. His performance stood out as one of the most encouraging developments of the night for Niagara.
Tshibangu added a highlight for the Purple Eagles with a powerful dunk, while VICE ZANKI scored a pair of free throws midway through the second half. Niagara also benefitted from a strong all-around effort from WILL SHORTT, who recorded five points, two rebounds, a block, and a steal. JUSTIN HAWKINS joined in with four second-half points, including an impressive and-one finish that brought the Niagara bench to its feet.
The second half also featured the season debut of AJ MCBRIDE, who made his presence felt by scoring on a free throw in his return to the lineup. For Niagara, these individual contributions—combined with unwavering teamwork—highlighted the developing chemistry within the roster.
BLUE DEVILS MAINTAIN PRESSURE UNTIL THE FINAL BUZZER
As expected from a top-five team, Duke kept its foot on the gas, applying defensive pressure and moving the ball with precision. The high-tempo pace and elite athleticism posed a challenge for Niagara, but the Purple Eagles continued to show grit, communicating well defensively and staying aggressive on the boards. Even in a tough result, Niagara walked away with valuable lessons that will serve them throughout the season.
The final score, 100–42, reflected Duke’s dominance, but not the determination or effort displayed by the Purple Eagles—traits that Coach Paulus has continued to instill within his program.
GAME NOTES
This matchup marked the first-ever meeting between Niagara and Duke.
Trenton Walters led the Purple Eagles in scoring with 15 points, all coming from three-point range.
Kabeya Tshibangu paced Niagara on the boards with four rebounds.
AJ McBride made his season debut, scoring on a free throw.
LOOKING AHEAD: A CHANCE TO BOUNCE BACK
Niagara concludes the Brotherhood Run on Saturday, November 22, when they take on Howard at 4 p.m. back inside Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Purple Eagles will aim to build on the experience gained against one of the nation’s top teams as they regroup, reset, and look to finish the event strong.
Despite the challenges, Niagara showed flashes of emerging talent, resilience, and the competitive spirit that has defined the early part of their season. With continued growth and the leadership of Coach Paulus, the Purple Eagles will carry the lessons learned in Durham into the battles ahead.
