Cameron Boozer stole the show at Cameron Indoor Stadium, scoring 32 points and grabbing 9 rebounds to lead Duke to a convincing 90-69 win over Wake Forest. The highly touted forward's performance was a key factor in the Blue Devils' victory, which saw them improve to 18-1 on the season. Boozer's dominance was on full display, as he consistently found ways to score and create opportunities for his teammates.
The game got off to a strong start for Duke, with the Blue Devils taking a 42-31 lead into halftime. Wake Forest's Juke Harris kept his team in the game, scoring 13 of his 23 points in the first half. However, Duke's balanced attack and stifling defense proved too much for the Demon Deacons to handle. Patrick Ngongba II and Isaiah Evans chipped in with 13 and 11 points, respectively, to support Boozer's efforts.
In the second half, Duke continued to pull away, outscoring Wake Forest 48-38. The Blue Devils' offense was clicking on all cylinders, with Boozer and his teammates moving the ball effectively and finding open shots. Wake Forest, on the other hand, struggled to find a rhythm, with Harris being the lone bright spot. Cooper Schwieger and Omaha Biliew added 12 and 11 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Duke winning by 13.5 points, and while the margin of victory was larger than expected, the outcome was never really in doubt. The Blue Devils' performance was a reflection of their depth and talent, and it's clear that they're a team to be reckoned with this season.
The win is a Quadrant 2 victory for Duke, which will likely have a positive impact on their tournament resume. For Wake Forest, the loss is a Quadrant 1 defeat, which could potentially hurt their chances of making the NCAA Tournament. The Demon Deacons must regroup and focus on their upcoming games if they hope to stay in the conversation.
With this win, Duke continues to build a strong case for a top seed in the tournament. Their 18-1 record and impressive performances against quality opponents make a strong argument for their inclusion among the nation's elite teams. As the season wears on, the Blue Devils want to continue their dominance and make a deep run in the tournament. For now, they can enjoy the fruits of their labor and bask in the glory of another impressive victory.