Duke Blue Devils Dominate Notre Dame
In an impressive display on the court, the top-ranked Duke Blue Devils cruised to a resounding 100-56 victory over Notre Dame on Tuesday night in South Bend. This defeat marked the most significant home loss for the Fighting Irish since 1898, as their struggles continued against a dominant Duke squad that improved to 26-2 overall and 14-1 in Atlantic Coast Conference play.
Key Performers
Cameron Boozer, a standout 6-foot-9 forward and a strong candidate for national Player of the Year honors, was a key player for the Blue Devils, finishing with 24 points and 13 rebounds. During the first half alone, Boozer scored 20 points and secured nine boards, propelling his team to a staggering 54-22 advantage by halftime. His shooting was particularly efficient, making 10 out of 12 attempts from the field in the opening period.
Alongside Boozer, Darren Harris contributed 16 points, while both Patrick Ngongba II and Caleb Foster added 13 points each to the team’s overall scoring. On the other side, Notre Dame struggled offensively with Cole Certa and Brady Koehler each scoring 14 points, but it wasn’t enough to counter Duke’s onslaught.
Notre Dame’s Challenges
The Irish, currently holding a 12-16 record and just 3-12 in conference play, have faced significant challenges this season, compounded by injuries to key players. Freshman Jalen Haralson, who was averaging 15.5 points per game, has been sidelined due to an ankle sprain. His absence has been felt, especially since he became the leading scorer for Notre Dame after star Markus Burton underwent surgery for an ankle injury in December. With Burton unlikely to return, the team’s depth was further compromised with the recent loss of Kebba Njie to a knee injury.
Notably, even Notre Dame’s head coach Micah Shrewsberry encountered trouble during the game, sustaining an ankle injury that forced him to wear a boot on his left leg during the second half.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Duke is set to face No. 11 Virginia on Saturday, while Notre Dame will host N.C. State on the same day, as both teams aim to adjust and regroup from this week’s outcomes.
