Duke’s 71–56 win at Cal on Saturday night followed a familiar rhythm early before turning into one of the Blue Devils’ most impressive defensive performances of the season.
A sluggish first half gave way to a sharp, disciplined second, as Duke asserted control on both ends to pull away from the Golden Bears.
The opening 20 minutes looked like something Duke fans have grown accustomed to. Offensively, the Blue Devils struggled to find consistent flow, allowing Cal to hang around despite limited shot-making.
That changed after halftime.
Duke emerged with a renewed defensive edge, tightening ball pressure, closing out with urgency, and taking away Cal’s comfort on the perimeter. The Golden Bears managed just 26 points in the second half, matching the same output Duke allowed to Louisville a week earlier and marking the Blue Devils’ best defensive showing since their early-season performance against Michigan State.
At the center of that second-half surge was Cameron Boozer, who completely controlled the game after intermission. Boozer recorded a second-half double-double, scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, finishing the night with 21 points and 13 boards. His activity on the glass fueled Duke’s transition game, while his touch around the rim punished Cal whenever they struggled to contain dribble penetration.
Isaiah Evans delivered timely offense of his own. Evans scored 17 points, coming up with big moments whenever Duke needed a basket to steady the game. Whether attacking closeouts or knocking down jumpers in rhythm, Evans helped ensure Cal never mounted a serious push once Duke built separation.
The numbers told the story late. Duke outworked Cal on the boards, dictated matchups defensively, and forced the Golden Bears into tough, late-clock shots. What began as a grind turned into a controlled finish, with Duke methodically extending the margin over the final 10 minutes.
While the first-half issues remain something to monitor, Duke once again showed its ability to adjust, defend, and overwhelm opponents when fully locked in. On the road, against a team looking to capitalize on early opportunities, the Blue Devils’ second-half response was decisive.
It wasn’t flashy, but it was authoritative — and it underscored just how high Duke’s defensive ceiling can be when everything clicks.