Cameron Boozer leads Blue Devils with 19 points and double-double performance
Category: Sports
It wasn’t the smoothest start for the Duke Blue Devils, but they managed to find their footing just when it mattered most. Entering the NCAA Tournament with the No. 1 seed, Duke faced some early challenges, trailing Siena by double digits at halftime before narrowly leading TCU by just four points at the break. Yet, the Blue Devils pulled away decisively, securing an 81-58 victory and advancing to the Sweet 16 for the third consecutive season under head coach Jon Scheyer.
Freshman sensation Cameron Boozer played a key role, finishing the game with a 19-point double-double, including a remarkable 17 points scored during the second half. His performance helped calm the nerves of Duke fans who were anxious after a shaky start to the tournament.
"I’m ahead to all of it," Boozer said postgame when asked about his first trip to the Sweet 16. "All of this is the first experience for a lot of our guys, but the older guys have done a great job getting us prepared, and we’re going to be ready for sure." His comments echoed the sentiment of a team that is still learning how to navigate the pressures of March Madness.
On Thursday, Duke's offense struggled initially, with Boozer scoring only two points before halftime. The team was also without key player Caleb Foster and saw Patrick Ngongba limited to just 13 minutes off the bench. This meant that Boozer and his twin brother Cayden had to shoulder a heavy load. The first half ended with Duke leading 38-34, thanks to a team-high 13 points from Isaiah Evans.
After the break, the Blue Devils flipped the script, outscoring TCU by 19 points. Boozer’s contributions were instrumental, especially following a timeout called by Scheyer when Duke found themselves down early. "I wasn’t worried," Boozer remarked about his slow start. "I knew Coach was going to find a way to get me going; he always does." This confidence proved beneficial, with Scheyer drawing up effective plays to get Boozer involved early on.
The game turned decisively when Boozer tied the game at 40 with a layup, igniting a 41-18 run for Duke. The Blue Devils showcased their depth, with Dame Sarr contributing nine points and three three-pointers after halftime, and Evans finishing with 17 points. Sarr’s performance was particularly notable, marking a career-high for made three-pointers.
Ngongba’s return also added a much-needed boost to the lineup. After missing several games due to injury, he contributed four points, four rebounds, and four assists, helping to solidify Duke’s inside presence.
Defensively, Duke held TCU to just 58 points, significantly below their season average of 77.9 points per game. This defensive effort has been a hallmark of Duke’s success this season, with the team managing to keep all but two of their opponents below their scoring averages. The Blue Devils also dominated on the boards, outrebounding TCU 42-25, continuing their trend of strong rebounding which has been a key factor throughout the season.
Notably, this victory marked Duke's 128th win all-time within the NCAA Tournament, placing them third on the all-time list. They improved their tournament record to 128-42, boasting the highest winning percentage among teams with at least 20 games played. Duke's Sweet 16 appearance is their 29th since the tournament expanded to 64 teams, leading all programs nationally.
"I thought the second half was (the team's identity) -- it was there after the first minute and a half, two minutes. Even after the first half, you're not going to blow people out. It felt like a big-time tournament game," Scheyer commented on his team's performance. His ability to adjust and motivate his young squad has been a key factor this season, especially with so many players experiencing their first NCAA Tournament.
With this win, Duke extends its current winning streak to 13 games, the longest stretch without a loss this season and the second-longest active win streak nationwide. The Blue Devils now look forward to their next challenge, facing the winner of the second-round matchup between No. 4-seed Kansas and No. 5-seed St. John's.
For Duke, this tournament has been a proving ground for their young stars, particularly Boozer, who has emerged not just statistically but also through leadership. His ability to perform under pressure, coupled with the experience of returning players, has positioned Duke well for the challenges that lie ahead.
Fans can expect to see Duke continue to evolve, learning from each game and each opponent. The Blue Devils’ next game is scheduled for Friday, March 27, with the exact tip time and television channel to be announced later. For those following the team, updates can be found on their social media platforms.
With the Sweet 16 on the horizon, Duke is not just playing for a championship; they are playing to solidify their legacy, one game at a time.