Duke Basketball Overpowers Syracuse with Dominant Performance

DURHAM, N.C. – February 16, 2026 – The No. 3 Duke Blue Devils delivered a resounding victory over Syracuse, defeating the Orange 101-64 Monday night. A stellar performance by freshman Cameron Boozer, who recorded 22 points and 12 rebounds, led the charge for Duke.

Isaiah Evans contributed 21 points, while Nikolas Khamenia added 14 off the bench. Patrick Ngongba and Cayden Boozer each chipped in with 12 points, showcasing the Blue Devils’ balanced offensive attack. Duke’s impressive shooting display, connecting on 62.3% of their field goals – including a remarkable 12 of 20 from beyond the arc – proved too much for Syracuse to handle.

Boozer’s Breakout Performance

Cameron Boozer’s double-double was his 14th of the season, solidifying his status as a key player for Duke. He efficiently shot eight for ten from the field, demonstrating his scoring prowess and rebounding ability. This performance comes at a crucial time as the Blue Devils gear up for a highly anticipated non-conference showdown with top-ranked Michigan.

Syracuse Struggles to Keep Pace

Syracuse, despite efforts from William Kyle III (12 points) and Nate Kingz (10 points), struggled to find their rhythm. The Orange shot just 41.3% from the field and 37% from three-point range. Their offensive woes prevented them from building on the momentum of recent back-to-back victories.

Duke’s dominance was particularly evident in the second half, where they extended their lead with a flurry of dunks and lay-ins, hitting 13 of their first 14 shots. They finished the second half shooting an impressive 9 for 12 from three-point distance.

Key Moments and Future Outlook

An 11-0 run to close out the first half gave Duke a commanding 40-24 lead at the break. This momentum carried over into the second half, ultimately leading to Duke reaching the 100-point mark for the fourth time this season. The Blue Devils have now won three consecutive games since their narrow loss to rival North Carolina on February 7th.

Looking Ahead:

• Syracuse will host No. 16 North Carolina on Saturday.
• Duke will face No. 1 Michigan in Washington.

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Source: The Associated Press