Duke was expected to defeat Coastal Carolina on Thursday night. The Blue Devils entered the game ranked second nationally, playing at Cameron Indoor Stadium against an opponent facing a substantial talent disadvantage. The final result was even more convincing than many might have anticipated, as Duke defeated Coastal Carolina 113–52 to improve to 2–0. The 61-point victory represented one of the most dominant performances of the opening week, but the most interesting development involved the emergence of another potentially important offensive weapon.
Sophomore center Patrick Ngongba II scored a career-high 28 points and collected nine rebounds, offering another indication that Duke could have a particularly dangerous interior presence this season. For a program with national championship expectations, the development of a reliable scorer around the basket could become especially important. The Blue Devils already possess talented guards and multiple perimeter options, but Ngongba’s ability to finish efficiently provides another dimension that opponents must account for.
Ngongba turned the first half into a personal showcase
Ngongba made 10 of his 13 field-goal attempts, demonstrating impressive efficiency around the basket. He scored 18 points during the first half, matching Coastal Carolina’s entire offensive output before halftime. Duke led 54–18 at the break after opening the game with 16 unanswered points, establishing control almost immediately and never allowing the Chanticleers to create sustained momentum. Ngongba’s production was a major reason the game became so one-sided.
His performance was particularly encouraging because it demonstrated how effectively Duke can generate offense through its frontcourt. When a center converts at that rate, opponents face difficult decisions about how aggressively to provide defensive help. Additional defenders around the basket can create opportunities for perimeter shooters, while defending straight up risks allowing efficient interior scoring. Duke has enough offensive talent to exploit either approach, and Thursday provided a glimpse of what that balance could look like when the Blue Devils are executing well.
Cayden Boozer provided another reason for excitement
Ngongba wasn’t the only Duke player delivering an impressive performance. Cayden Boozer recorded 11 points and 12 assists, demonstrating his ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates. The 12 assists matched the highest total by a Duke player in seven years, providing another encouraging sign about the Blue Devils’ offensive development. A reliable facilitator becomes particularly valuable when surrounded by several players capable of finishing possessions.
John Blackwell and Caleb Foster added 15 points apiece, while Dame Sarr contributed 12. Foster also appeared in his 100th game for Duke, providing an experience advantage within a roster featuring several younger contributors. The Blue Devils shot 61.3% from the field and 50% from three-point range, finishing with 25 assists on 38 made baskets. Those numbers reflected the ball movement and offensive balance that helped Duke produce so many high-percentage opportunities.
A much bigger challenge is coming
Duke’s first two victories have provided opportunities to establish confidence and develop chemistry, but the next game will test those qualities against a much stronger opponent. The Blue Devils face No. 6 Michigan State on Tuesday in the Champions Classic, one of college basketball’s premier early-season events. Michigan State enters that game after defeating Toledo 91–61 Thursday night, giving Tom Izzo’s program momentum of its own. The Spartans’ physicality, rebounding and defensive discipline should provide a useful examination of Duke’s frontcourt.
That makes Ngongba’s performance particularly timely. If the sophomore can provide reliable interior scoring against stronger opponents, Duke’s offense could become considerably more difficult to defend. The Blue Devils already possess talented guards, capable shooters and multiple scoring options, but adding an efficient interior presence would give coach Jon Scheyer another important weapon as the schedule becomes more demanding. Thursday’s victory was never likely to determine Duke’s championship prospects, yet Ngongba’s performance provided an encouraging glimpse of how high those prospects might eventually reach.
