Heartbreak for SMU, elation for Duke! In a nail-biting contest that went down to the wire, No. 6 Duke narrowly escaped an upset against No. 24 SMU, securing an 82-75 victory. But here's the question: Was it Duke's brilliance or SMU's mistakes that ultimately decided the game?
The Blue Devils, playing on their home court in Durham, North Carolina, found themselves in a surprisingly tight battle on Saturday. Isaiah Evans, the hero of the hour, led the charge with 21 points, including a clutch three-pointer with just 1:15 remaining. That shot, reminiscent of his game-winner against Florida earlier in the season, extended Duke's lead to 76-70 and ultimately proved to be the dagger. Evans received a pass from none other than freshman sensation Cam Boozer, showing how the teamwork and shared understanding between these talented players is vital for Duke's success.
Patrick Ngongba II also had a stellar performance, matching his career-high with 17 points. Boozer contributed 18 points of his own, highlighted by a strong inside move that gave Duke a 73-68 advantage right before Evans' pivotal three. Duke's overall shooting percentage was a solid 49%, and the victory marked their 25th consecutive win at home. That's quite a streak!
On the other side of the court, Jaden Toombs was a force for the Mustangs, pouring in 23 points on an impressive 10-for-12 shooting performance. SMU, who had just cracked the AP Top 25 for the first time since the 2016-17 season, came into the game looking to prove their ranking. However, a midweek loss to Clemson seemed to have taken some wind out of their sails.
And this is the part most people miss... SMU was without their leading scorer, Boopie Moller, who averages 20.6 points per game. Moller was a game-time decision due to illness, a significant blow to the Mustangs' offensive firepower. Despite Moller's absence, SMU came out firing, scoring the game's first 11 points! They shot an impressive 56.6% from the field and threatened to overtake Duke multiple times in the final 4 1/2 minutes, getting within a single possession on three separate occasions.
But here's where it gets controversial... SMU's downfall was arguably their turnovers. They coughed up the ball 21 times, which Duke converted into 21 points. Some might argue that Duke's defense forced those turnovers, while others might say that SMU simply made too many unforced errors. What do you think?
During halftime, Duke honored the 25th anniversary of their 2001 NCAA championship team. Former NBA stars Shane Battier, Carlos Boozer (Cam's father!), Mike Dunleavy, and Jay Williams joined retired Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski at center court for a special presentation. It was a nostalgic moment that connected Duke's glorious past with its promising present. Imagine the pressure on Cam and Cayden Boozer to live up to their father's legacy!
Looking ahead, SMU will be looking to bounce back as they host Virginia Tech on Wednesday. Duke, on the other hand, embarks on their first cross-country ACC trip, visiting California on Wednesday.
Ultimately, this game was a testament to Duke's resilience and ability to perform under pressure. But it also highlighted SMU's potential and the importance of minimizing mistakes against top-tier opponents. Was Duke truly the better team, or did SMU simply beat themselves? Let me know what you think in the comments below!
