Duke Blue Devils Triumph Over Clemson Tigers
In a decisive showdown at Cameron Indoor Stadium, the No. 4 ranked Duke Blue Devils overcame the No. 20 Clemson Tigers with a score of 67-54, bolstered by the strong performance of freshman phenom Cameron Boozer. Boozer, a standout who has emerged as a key player this season, scored 18 points, adding to his average of 23.0 points per game, which ranks him fifth nationally. He showcased his versatility by making 7 of 14 attempts from the field, including two 3-pointers, and also contributed eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals to the effort.
Significance of the Victory
The victory marks Duke’s 29th consecutive win at home and signifies their eighth triumph against a ranked opponent in the current season. With this win, the Blue Devils improved their record to 23-2 overall and 12-1 within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), further solidifying their standing as a frontrunner with 10 Quadrant 1 victories crucial for postseason positioning.
Key Performers
Isaiah Evans also played a pivotal role for Duke, adding 17 points to the total. The Blue Devils executed a strong second-half performance, shooting 11 for 16 and expanding their lead from a slim 31-26 advantage to a commanding margin exceeding 20 points midway through the half.
Clemson’s Struggles
Clemson’s performance faltered significantly, as they managed only 35% shooting from the field. Carter Welling led the Tigers with 12 points, but they struggled from the perimeter, hitting just 6 of 24 three-point attempts and failing to convert 10 of 15 layups. With this defeat, Clemson’s scoring fell to a season-low of 54 points, a stark contrast to their previous low of 63 in a win against Pittsburgh.
Historical Context
This matchup also marked Clemson’s 22nd consecutive loss at Duke’s iconic venue since their last victory there in January 1995.
The Tigers, now holding a 20-6 overall record and 10-3 in the conference, will look to rebound in their next game as they head to Wake Forest on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Blue Devils will prepare to face Syracuse on Monday.
