Duke's impressive start to the season continued as they traveled to Haas Pavilion and handed California a 71-56 defeat. The Blue Devils' high-powered offense was led by Cameron Boozer, who delivered a dominant performance with 21 points and 13 rebounds. This victory marked another significant win for Duke, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the nation.
From the opening tip, Duke set the tone, taking a 37-30 lead into halftime. California's Lee Dort tried to keep his team in the game, scoring 14 points and grabbing 9 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Blue Devils' balanced attack. Isaiah Evans added 17 points for Duke, while Nikolas Khamenia chipped in with 10 points. California's John Camden and Justin Pippen contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively, but their efforts were overshadowed by Duke's overall team performance.
As the second half got underway, Duke continued to pull away, outscoring California 34-26. The Blue Devils' defense was stifling, holding the Golden Bears to just 26 points in the final 20 minutes. California struggled to find any rhythm on offense, and Duke capitalized on their mistakes, converting them into easy baskets.
This matchup was a Quadrant 1 game for both teams, and the win will undoubtedly boost Duke's already impressive resume. With a net ranking of 2, the Blue Devils are firmly entrenched as one of the top contenders for the NCAA Tournament. For California, the loss drops them to 15-5, but they still have a strong net ranking of 55. This game was an opportunity for the Golden Bears to make a statement against a top-ranked opponent, but they ultimately came up short.
The 15-point margin of victory was a reflection of Duke's depth and talent. They outplayed California in nearly every facet of the game, showcasing their dominance on both ends of the floor. As the season progresses, Duke want to build on this win and continue to make a strong case for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament.
This result will have real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. Duke's win strengthens their position as a potential number one seed, while California's loss will likely drop them a few spots in the rankings. However, the Golden Bears still have a strong record and a favorable schedule ahead, giving them ample opportunity to bounce back and make a push for a higher seed. For now, Duke's impressive performance will be the focus, as they continue to make their case as one of the best teams in the country.