At first glance, it looked like another night of dominance inside Cameron Indoor Stadium — Duke racing out to an early lead, controlling the game, and cruising to yet another ACC win. But when Jon Scheyer stepped to the microphone after the Blue Devils’ 67–49 rout of Boston College, his tone told a deeper story. Beneath the double-digit victory and perfect conference record was a coach focused less on the scoreboard and more on the details that could matter most down the road. What Scheyer said revealed both why Duke is rolling — and why he believes they still have another gear to find.
But when Jon Scheyer met with the media after Duke’s 67–49 victory on Tuesday night, it became clear that this was not a game he would simply file away as another win. Despite improving to 21–1 overall and 10–0 in ACC play, Scheyer’s focus drifted quickly from the scoreboard to the details — especially a second half that, while still effective, didn’t meet his standard.
That contrast — dominance mixed with dissatisfaction — may say more about this Duke team than the final score ever could.
A Fast Start That Set the Tone
Duke’s opening five minutes against Boston College were among their sharpest of the season. The Blue Devils held the Eagles without a field goal, overwhelmed them defensively, and turned stops into easy offense. By the time BC finally settled in, Duke already had full control of the game.
Scheyer made it clear that the opening stretch was exactly what he wanted to see.
“Great to get our 10th conference win — all these are precious,” Scheyer said. “Credit Boston College with their defense, I thought they were very disruptive and stood us up. We have to be better at handling that in the second half. Loved our defense and our ability to get off to a quick start was great. Proud, like I said, to get this win.”
That early emphasis on defense has become a defining feature of Duke’s season. The Blue Devils are no longer just relying on talent or athleticism to overwhelm opponents. Instead, they’re leaning into structure, communication, and collective effort — the kind of habits that translate when games tighten up in March.
And on Tuesday night, Duke’s defensive intensity immediately sucked the air out of the building for Boston College.
Cameron Boozer Continues to Set the Standard
Once again, Cameron Boozer was at the center of Duke’s success.
The freshman finished with 19 points on 9-of-17 shooting and added 12 rebounds for yet another double-double. His production has become so consistent that it almost feels expected, but that consistency is precisely what makes him so valuable.
Boozer wasn’t forcing shots or chasing numbers. He scored within the flow of the offense, punished mismatches in the paint, and cleaned up possessions on the glass. When Duke needed stability — especially during stretches when the offense stalled — Boozer provided it.
Isaiah Evans chipped in 12 points of his own, rounding out Duke’s double-figure scorers, but the impact went well beyond the box score. Duke’s spacing, ball movement, and ability to generate quality looks all benefited from the gravity Boozer commands inside.
A Second Half That Didn’t Sit Right
Despite leading 42–27 at halftime, Duke’s offensive rhythm disappeared after the break.
The Blue Devils scored just 25 points in the second half — a season low — and shot 31.8% from the field. For a team that has looked increasingly polished over the past month, it was a noticeable drop-off.
Scheyer didn’t sugarcoat it.
“I got to watch the film. It doesn’t feel good, obviously, scoring 25 points,” he said. “It’s not fun scoring 25 points in a half, but if you’re gonna score 25, at least hold them to less.”
That last line tells the story. Even when Duke struggled offensively, their defense never let the game slip.
Boston College managed only 22 points in the second half, meaning Duke still won the final 20 minutes despite shooting poorly. In previous seasons, those kinds of offensive droughts could snowball. This version of Duke absorbed it and moved on.
Scheyer took responsibility for the lull.
“I thought we were just slow. We weren’t sharp and that’s on me,” he said. “Boston College has a top-five defense in the league, and I thought their physicality stood us up. We weren’t as sharp as we normally are, but not looking ahead.”
That last part mattered. With a massive rivalry game looming against North Carolina, the concern wasn’t just execution — it was mindset. Scheyer wanted it clear that Duke wasn’t peeking ahead.
Trusting the Process From Three
One area that stood out statistically was Duke’s perimeter shooting in the second half. The looks were there, but the shots didn’t fall.
Scheyer, however, wasn’t discouraged.
“I think the fact that we’ve established the paint in a bigger way the last month or so, it’s going to lead to great 3-point shots for us,” he said. “I want us to shoot those open ones.”
That comment reflects a philosophical shift in Duke’s offense. Rather than settling for quick threes early in possessions, the Blue Devils have prioritized paint touches — whether through Boozer’s post presence, drives from the guards, or offensive rebounding.
When Duke plays inside-out, the threes they generate are cleaner and more in rhythm. Even during a disjointed half, Scheyer felt most of the looks were ones he wants his team taking.
“We have to continue to shoot them while also understanding establishing the paint is going to be a big strength for us.”
That balance — patience without passivity — is something Duke continues to refine.
Defense as the Identity
If there was one part of the performance Scheyer clearly loved, it was the defense.
“I think the effort’s there. There’s great effort,” he said. “I love the first sequence, how we started the game. I thought there was great purpose, great intensity.”
Scheyer highlighted one particular possession that stood out to him — not because of the result, but because of the process.
“Caleb was in the gap, Isaiah dove for a loose ball, we got it and then Dame ended up getting a dunk on the other end,” he explained. “If you watch that possession, I thought it was the ultimate five guys moving on a string together.”
That phrase — moving on a string — is telling. Duke’s defense isn’t about individual brilliance. It’s about collective awareness, trust, and communication.
Scheyer emphasized that this has been a major point of emphasis in practice.
“That’s something we’ve really worked hard on,” he said. “Our guys are picking it up, they’re moving better, they understand game plans really well. But the main thing is just the focus and the effort has been there. I’m really proud of that.”
Why This Win Matters More Than It Looks
On paper, beating Boston College by 18 points at home doesn’t scream statement win. But context matters.
This was Duke’s 10th straight ACC victory. It was another example of them winning comfortably even without their best offensive night. And it showed that their floor — not just their ceiling — has risen dramatically.
Great teams don’t need everything to click to win. They defend. They rebound. They stay connected. Duke did all of that.
And perhaps most importantly, Scheyer’s dissatisfaction with a double-digit win speaks volumes about the standard he’s building.
Looking Ahead Without Looking Ahead
Duke’s schedule doesn’t get easier. Every opponent will treat games against the Blue Devils like a measuring stick. And with North Carolina looming, attention will naturally shift.
Scheyer is trying to prevent that.
By focusing on film, execution, and habits — even after a rout — he’s reinforcing the idea that Duke hasn’t arrived yet. They’re still building.
That mindset may be the biggest reason Duke sits undefeated in ACC play.
They’re winning, but they’re not satisfied.
And if that combination holds, the most dangerous version of Duke basketball may still be ahead.
