Duke defeats SMU 82-75
Duke Crushes SMU in Thrilling 82-75 Victory at Cameron Indoor Stadium
A Dominant Performance by the Blue Devils
In a highly anticipated conference matchup, Duke (HOME) emerged victorious over visiting SMU (AWAY), 82-75, behind a strong all-around effort. The Blue Devils' balanced attack and stifling defense proved too much for the Mustangs to handle, as they took down their opponents in a closely contested game.
The first half saw both teams struggle to find their rhythm, with Duke taking an early lead. However, SMU fought back to level the score at halftime, 41-41. The second half was more of the same, with neither team able to pull away until late in the fourth quarter.
Isaiah Evans and Cameron Boozer Lead the Charge
For Duke, sophomore Isaiah Evans (21 points, 4-8 3PT) was a one-man show, showcasing his impressive scoring ability from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, senior Cameron Boozer (18 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists) was everywhere on the court, dominating in the paint and on the defensive end.
On the other side, SMU's Jaden Toombs (23 points, 7 rebounds) led the charge for the Mustangs, but ultimately fell short. B.J. Edwards chipped in with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, making him a key contributor to his team's success.
Advanced Statistics Paint a Clear Picture
Duke's strong performance was evident across various advanced statistics. The Blue Devils shot an impressive 49.0% from the field, while SMU struggled at just 57.0%. Duke also outrebounded their opponents, 23-30, and committed fewer turnovers (13-21).
Conclusion
In a tightly contested game that saw both teams give it their all, Duke's balanced attack and stifling defense proved too much for SMU to handle. The Blue Devils' victory improves their standing in the conference standings and sets them up for future success.
The loss is a tough one for SMU, who will need to regroup and refocus for their next matchup. For now, they'll have to look back on this game as an opportunity missed.
Duke, meanwhile, has built momentum heading into their next contest. With this dominant performance under their belt, the Blue Devils are poised to make a push for the top of the conference standings.