Louisville, Kentucky, January 7, 2026
In a compelling college basketball match, the No. 6 Duke Blue Devils overcame a nine-point halftime deficit to earn an 84-73 victory over the No. 20 Louisville Cardinals. Led by Cameron Boozer’s 27-point performance, Duke showcased remarkable shooting efficiency, particularly in the second half with a 71% field goal rate. Despite a strong start from Louisville, who led at halftime, Duke’s adjustments and defense turned the game around, extending their winning streak against Louisville to eight. The Blue Devils are now 14-1 for the season.
Louisville, Kentucky
Cameron Boozer’s 27-Point Performance Leads No. 6 Duke to 84-73 Victory Over No. 20 Louisville
In a thrilling college basketball matchup on Tuesday night, the No. 6 Duke Blue Devils overcame a nine-point halftime deficit to defeat the No. 20 Louisville Cardinals 84-73, marking their third consecutive victory. The game took place at Louisville’s home court in Kentucky.
Key Highlights:
- Cameron Boozer led Duke with 27 points, including seven during a pivotal 16-6 run early in the second half.
- Isaiah Evans contributed 23 points, while Caleb Foster added 20 points to the Blue Devils’ offensive surge.
- Duke’s shooting efficiency was remarkable, converting 71% of their field goals in the second half.
- The Blue Devils’ defense limited Louisville to just 32% shooting after halftime, including a mere 2 of 17 from three-point range.
- This victory extends Duke’s winning streak against Louisville to eight games.
Game Recap
The Cardinals initially held a 47-38 lead at halftime, capitalizing on Duke’s early shooting struggles. However, the Blue Devils adjusted their strategy in the second half, focusing on high-percentage shots and aggressive defense. Boozer’s leadership was instrumental in this turnaround, as he scored seven points during a decisive 16-6 run that shifted the momentum in Duke’s favor. With 13:36 remaining, Boozer’s two free throws gave Duke their first lead at 54-53. Evans and Foster further solidified the lead, combining for 13 points in a subsequent scoring spree that extended Duke’s advantage to 10 points with 6:58 left in the game. Despite Louisville’s efforts, including a strong performance from Ryan Conwell, who scored 24 points, the Blue Devils maintained control to secure the win.
Team Performances
Duke’s offensive efficiency was evident, making 17 of 24 field goal attempts and 10 of 16 free throws in the second half. Overall, they converted 19 of 28 free throws. In contrast, Louisville’s shooting declined after halftime, with a 32% field goal percentage and only two successful three-pointers out of 17 attempts. The Cardinals also faced challenges due to the absence of freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr., who missed his fifth consecutive game due to a lower back injury.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Duke improves to 14-1 and remains undefeated in the Atlantic Coast Conference with a 3-0 record. The Blue Devils are set to host Southern Methodist University (SMU) on Saturday. Louisville, now 11-4 and 1-2 in the conference, will look to bounce back as they host Boston College on the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the final score of the Duke vs. Louisville game?
The final score was Duke 84, Louisville 73.
Who led Duke in scoring during the game?
Cameron Boozer led Duke with 27 points.
How did Duke perform in the second half?
Duke shot 71% from the field in the second half, significantly improving their performance after halftime.
What was Louisville’s shooting percentage after halftime?
Louisville’s shooting percentage dropped to 32% in the second half, including a 2 of 17 performance from three-point range.
Who was absent from Louisville’s lineup?
Louisville’s freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr. missed his fifth consecutive game due to a lower back injury.
Key Features of the Game
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Duke 84, Louisville 73 |
| Duke’s Leading Scorer | Cameron Boozer with 27 points |
| Duke’s Second Half Shooting Percentage | 71% from the field |
| Louisville’s Second Half Shooting Percentage | 32% from the field, 2 of 17 from three-point range |
| Louisville’s Absence | Freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr. missed his fifth consecutive game due to a lower back injury |
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