Cameron Boozer Leads No. 4 Duke to Dominant 67-49 Victory Over Boston College
On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the historic Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina, the No. 4 Duke Blue Devils delivered a commanding performance, dismantling the Boston College Eagles 67-49. This decisive win marked Duke’s 10th straight victory, extended their perfect 10-0 record in ACC play, and improved their overall mark to 21-1. Freshman standout Cameron Boozer once again proved why he’s a leading candidate for national Player of the Year honors, leading all scorers with 19 points and 12 rebounds while adding a career-high five steals in a complete all-around effort.
The game served as a tune-up for Duke ahead of their highly anticipated rivalry clash with North Carolina just four days later. While the Blue Devils didn’t need to reach their offensive ceiling—posting their lowest ACC scoring output of the season—they showcased elite defense, rebounding dominance, and efficient execution that suffocated Boston College from the opening tip.
Early Dominance Sets the Tone
Duke wasted no time asserting control. The Blue Devils opened the game on a blistering 13-0 run, with Boozer accounting for seven of those points through a mix of post finishes, transition buckets, and aggressive drives. His early aggression set the tone for a wire-to-wire victory—the second consecutive such performance for Duke.
By the midway point of the first half, Duke had built a double-digit lead, forcing Boston College into rushed shots and turnovers. The Eagles struggled to find rhythm against Duke’s length and switching defense, shooting poorly from the perimeter and getting outworked on the glass. Boozer was everywhere: finishing lobs, cleaning up misses, and disrupting passing lanes with his quick hands.
A highlight-reel moment came late in the half when Boozer drove through traffic for a thunderous dunk that pushed the lead to 18 points. The Cameron Crazies erupted, and the energy in the building reflected Duke’s complete command. Halftime arrived with Duke ahead 42-27, having outscored BC 38-18 in the paint and limited the Eagles to just 39% shooting overall.
Second Half: Defense Locks In, Lead Grows
The second half followed a similar script. Duke maintained its defensive intensity, holding Boston College to 22 points after the break. The Eagles never mounted a serious threat, as Duke’s ball pressure and rim protection led to contested looks and forced turnovers.
Boozer cooled slightly from the field in the second half (3-of-9), but his impact remained profound. He continued to dominate the boards, corralled defensive rebounds to start fast breaks, and added those five steals—flashing his defensive versatility that makes him such a matchup nightmare. His steal total not only set a new personal best but also exemplified Duke’s team-wide commitment to forcing mistakes.
Isaiah Evans provided secondary scoring with 12 points on 4-of-11 shooting (2-of-6 from three), while Patrick Ngongba added nine and Caleb Foster chipped in eight. Maliq Brown dished out a game-high four assists, showcasing the Blue Devils’ balanced attack even on a night when shots weren’t falling as freely as in previous games.
Boston College was led by Fred Payne’s 14 points, but the Eagles shot just 39% from the field and 25% from three, struggling against Duke’s physicality. BC dropped to 9-13 overall and 2-7 in the ACC, marking their fourth loss in recent games against ranked opponents.
Boozer’s Milestone Night
Beyond the stat line, the game held special significance for Boozer. With his 19 points, he surpassed 500 points for the season—an impressive feat for a freshman in just his first year of college basketball. Combined with his 11th double-double of the campaign, it reinforced his status as one of the most productive big men in the country.
Boozer’s efficiency came on 9-of-17 shooting, including strong work around the rim and in transition. His ability to impact both ends—scoring, rebounding, stealing, and defending—has been a hallmark of Duke’s success. Coach Jon Scheyer praised Boozer’s maturity and leadership postgame, noting how the freshman has embraced the spotlight while staying focused on team goals.
Defensive Masterclass
Duke’s defense was the story of the night. Limiting Boston College to 49 points matched the Eagles’ season-low output and highlighted the Blue Devils’ elite perimeter and interior presence. They forced turnovers, contested every shot, and dominated the rebounding battle, turning defensive stops into easy offense.
The victory also extended Duke’s home winning streak to 28 games at Cameron Indoor Stadium, where the raucous atmosphere continues to provide a significant edge. The team’s ability to win comfortably without needing 80+ points speaks to their depth and defensive identity under Scheyer.
Looking Ahead to UNC Showdown
With the win secured, attention immediately shifted to Saturday’s clash at North Carolina—the latest chapter in the storied Tobacco Road rivalry. Coming off the loss to UNC earlier that week? No—this game preceded the February 7 matchup where UNC won 71-68 on Seth Trimble’s late three. But on February 3, Duke entered as heavy favorites against BC, using the game to build momentum and confidence.
The low-scoring output (67 points) raised minor questions about second-half execution and turnovers, areas Scheyer emphasized in postgame comments as focus points heading into Chapel Hill. Yet the defensive dominance and Boozer’s leadership provided plenty of positives.
Boston College, meanwhile, faces an uphill battle in the ACC standings but gains experience against top competition.
Statistical Highlights
- Cameron Boozer (Duke): 19 points (9-17 FG), 12 rebounds, 5 steals (career high), 2 assists
- Isaiah Evans (Duke): 12 points
- Fred Payne (BC): 14 points
- Team Notes: Duke led wire-to-wire, outscored BC 38-18 in the paint, held opponents to season-low points
- Records: Duke 21-1 (10-0 ACC); Boston College 9-13 (2-7 ACC)
In a season full of hype around Duke’s talented freshman class, Boozer continues to deliver. His 19-point, 12-rebound, five-steal masterpiece against Boston College was another reminder of why he’s atop many Player of the Year ladders. As March approaches, Duke’s blend of youth, defense, and star power looks increasingly dangerous.
This 67-49 rout wasn’t flashy, but it was efficient, dominant, and exactly what a top team needs before facing its biggest rival. Cameron Boozer and the Blue Devils are rolling—and the ACC knows it.
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