Duke's Cameron Boozer stole the show at Cameron Indoor Stadium, leading his team to a resounding 83-52 victory over Louisville. Boozer's impressive 19-point, 10-rebound performance set the tone for the Blue Devils, who never trailed in the game. The final margin of 31 points was a significant departure from the predicted 6.9-point Duke win, as forecasted by CHD Scout.
The Blue Devils took control from the opening tip, building a 38-28 lead by halftime. Duke's offense was clicking on all cylinders, with Boozer, Patrick Ngongba II, and Isaiah Evans all making significant contributions. Ngongba II and Evans each added 15 points to the Blue Devils' total, showcasing the depth and versatility of Duke's roster.
Louisville's Ryan Conwell was the lone bright spot for the Cardinals, scoring 18 points in a losing effort. Conwell's performance was not enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Blue Devils, who shot efficiently from the field and dominated the glass. J'Vonne Hadley chipped in with 11 points and 5 rebounds for Louisville, but the Cardinals struggled to find consistency on both ends of the floor.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The second half was more of the same, as Duke continued to pull away from Louisville. The Blue Devils outscored the Cardinals 45-24 in the final 20 minutes, with Boozer and company leading the charge. Duke's defense was stifling, holding Louisville to just 24 points in the second half and limiting the Cardinals to a season-low 52 points.
CHD Scout's prediction of a 6.9-point Duke victory was correct, albeit conservative, as the Blue Devils' actual margin of victory was nearly five times larger. The dominant performance will undoubtedly boost Duke's already impressive resume, which now features a 19-1 record and a top-3 national ranking.
This result has real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. As a Quadrant 1 win for Duke, the Blue Devils reinforce their position as a top contender for the NCAA Tournament. For Louisville, the loss is also a Quadrant 1 defeat, which will not significantly harm their tournament prospects. However, the Cardinals must regroup and refocus to avoid a prolonged slump. With this decisive victory, Duke sends a strong message to the college basketball world, solidifying their status as a national powerhouse. The Blue Devils' impressive performance will be a key factor in their tournament resume, making a strong case for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.