BERKELEY, Calif. — Under the bright lights of a packed Haas Pavilion, No. 6 Duke once again proved why it sits among the nation’s elite. In front of 11,201 fans — the first sellout at Haas Pavilion since February 7, 2024 — the Blue Devils used a dominant second-half surge to pull away from California, securing a convincing 71–56 victory on Wednesday night.
At the center of it all was Cameron Boozer, who delivered another statement performance with 21 points and 13 rebounds, showcasing poise, power, and leadership well beyond his freshman status. While the final score suggests control, the path to victory was anything but smooth, as Cal pushed Duke hard for much of the night before the Blue Devils’ depth and discipline took over late.
A Charged Atmosphere in Berkeley
The energy inside Haas Pavilion was unmistakable from the opening tip. Cal fans, eager to witness a marquee matchup against one of college basketball’s bluebloods, filled every seat. The sellout crowd created a playoff-like atmosphere, and the Bears fed off that intensity early.
Cal entered the game with confidence, riding a strong start to the season and hoping to protect home court against an ACC powerhouse. For long stretches in the first half, they did just that.
Cal Controls the First Half
The Bears set the tone defensively, disrupting Duke’s rhythm and forcing tough shots. Cal led for 14 minutes and 54 seconds in the opening half, repeatedly frustrating a Duke offense that struggled to find consistency.
A pivotal moment came midway through the half when Cal rattled off a 10–0 run, capped by an emphatic dunk from Lee Dort, igniting the crowd and pushing the Bears to a 25–19 lead with five minutes remaining before halftime.
Duke, uncharacteristically cold from the perimeter, couldn’t buy a three early. Cameron Boozer, who entered the game leading the ACC in scoring at 22.9 points per game, was limited to just four points in the first half as Cal’s defense focused on crowding the paint and contesting every touch.
At one point, Duke trailed 30–24, and momentum seemed firmly on Cal’s side.
Duke Responds With a Statement Run
Elite teams respond when challenged, and Duke did exactly that. Closing the first half with poise and precision, the Blue Devils scored the final 13 points before the break, flipping the game on its head and heading into halftime with a 37–30 lead.
That late surge shifted momentum — not just on the scoreboard, but mentally. Duke’s defense tightened, transition opportunities emerged, and the Bears suddenly found themselves on their heels.
A Tense Second Half Turns Decisive
The second half opened with Cal refusing to fade. The Bears clawed their way back, cutting the deficit and keeping the game within reach. With 10 minutes remaining, Duke’s lead had narrowed to just 50–47, and the crowd sensed an upset opportunity.
That’s when Cameron Boozer took over.
Cameron Boozer Takes Control
The freshman phenom delivered when it mattered most. During Duke’s decisive 21–5 run, Boozer poured in 11 points, asserting himself on both ends of the floor. He attacked the rim with confidence, cleaned the glass relentlessly, and made smart decisions under pressure.
Boozer’s ability to elevate his play in the game’s defining stretch highlighted why he’s already one of the most impactful players in college basketball. His final line — 21 points, 13 rebounds — reflected not just scoring ability, but total dominance.
More importantly, he dictated the game’s tempo when Duke needed stability.
Isaiah Evans Provides Crucial Support
While Boozer anchored the performance, Isaiah Evans played a vital supporting role. Evans finished with 17 points, consistently stepping up when Duke’s shooting struggles threatened to stall momentum.
Despite shooting just 7-for-32 from three-point range and 8-for-17 at the free-throw line, Duke never lost composure. Evans’ timely baskets and aggressive play helped offset the cold shooting and kept pressure on Cal’s defense.
Defense Wins the Night
Duke’s defensive effort ultimately decided the outcome. The Blue Devils smothered Cal throughout the game, holding the Bears to just 36.5% shooting from the floor (19-for-52) and an ice-cold 21.7% from three-point range (5-for-23).
Cal’s offense struggled to generate clean looks as Duke’s length, discipline, and rotations shut down passing lanes and contested nearly every shot. Lee Dort led the Bears with 14 points and nine rebounds, but consistent scoring options were hard to come by.
Pulling Away Like a Top Team
The 21–5 run in the final 10 minutes wasn’t just a scoring spree — it was a statement. Duke’s execution sharpened, defensive pressure intensified, and Cal simply ran out of answers.
As the clock wound down, the sellout crowd that had roared all night fell quiet, recognizing the inevitability of the outcome. Duke had weathered the storm and imposed its will.
What the Win Means
With the victory, Duke improved to 16–1 overall and 5–0 in ACC play, extending its winning streak to five games. Winning on the road in a hostile environment — especially while shooting poorly — reinforced the Blue Devils’ status as a legitimate national title contender.
For Cal, now 13–5 overall and 1–4, the loss stung, but the performance showed competitiveness against one of the nation’s best. The Bears proved they belong in high-profile matchups and can challenge elite teams when execution is sharp.
Final Thoughts
Wednesday night at Haas Pavilion was a showcase of college basketball at its best — intensity, momentum swings, elite talent, and a crowd fully invested in every possession.
Cameron Boozer’s second-half dominance, Duke’s defensive resolve, and the ability to close strong under pressure separated the Blue Devils from a determined Cal squad.
In a season filled with expectations, Duke continues to meet them — and sometimes, as in Berkeley, exceed them.
