DURHAM, N.C. — Cameron Boozer delivered an impressive performance with 26 points and 13 rebounds as No. 3 Duke rallied from a 10-point deficit to secure a decisive 97-73 victory over Lipscomb on Tuesday night. This win marked Jon Scheyer’s 100th coaching victory, a milestone he reached faster than any other coach in Atlantic Coast Conference history.
Isaiah Evans contributed 16 points, while bench players Maliq Brown and Darren Harris each added 11 points. Additionally, Patrick Ngongba II made a notable impact with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Duke, now 11-0, equaled its best start since the 2017-18 season.
Having last played on December 6 against then-No. 7 Michigan State, Duke faced challenges, notably committing 22 turnovers throughout the game. Despite this, they managed to hold a slender 48-45 lead at halftime after recovering from a shaky start. The Blue Devils initially established a 10-0 lead but were quickly overtaken by the Bisons, who led at various points in the first half.
For Lipscomb, Grant Asman stood out with 18 points, while teammates Mateo Esmeraldo and Titas Sargiunas chipped in 14 points each. Charlie Williams added 11 points as well, but the Bisons, coming off a five-game winning streak, struggled in the second half, particularly with their shooting from beyond the arc, finishing 3 for 13 on three-pointers.
As the season progresses, both teams are set for their upcoming challenges, with Lipscomb facing Blue Mountain Christian at home on Saturday, while Duke will take on No. 19 Texas Tech in New York on the same day.
Boozer’s scoring prowess continues to shine as he leads the nation, averaging over 23 points per game and also showcased his efficiency by shooting 10 for 17 from the field. Evans’ performance from three-point range was crucial, as he helped Duke maintain their momentum during the game. The Blue Devils remain a formidable force in college basketball, demonstrating resilience and talent as they strive for continued success this season.
