Duke basketball wallops Western Carolina, 95-54

Chip Alexander, The News & Observer on Nov 8, 2025

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DURHAM, N.C. — Duke’s game Saturday against Western Carolina wasn’t so much about the score as the moments.

Or, for the No. 6 Blue Devils, some floor-burn moments.

Playing their first home game of the season at Cameron Indoor Stadium, the Blue Devils ran over the Catamounts, 95-54, as Cameron Boozer had 25 points and eight rebounds.

It was Cayden Boozer and then Darren Harris skidding across the court hustling after a loose ball. It was Nikolas Khamenia saving the ball as he fell out of bounds, leading to a score. It was Boozer going to the floor to keep a possession alive, getting the ball to Maliq Brown and resulting in Harris shooting three free throws after being fouled.

Later, WCU’s Marcus Kell made a nice baseline move and tested Boozer under the rim. Bad idea. Boozer easily swatted away the shot.

Not everything went smoothly in the first half for the Blue Devils, but it mattered little against a WCU team that was 8-22 last season and lost its opener by 31 points at Cincinnati earlier in the week. The Devils, favored by 36 points, had the Catamounts outquicked and outnumbered, and that was reflected in the final score.

The Blue Devils struggled through most of the first half of their opener, against Texas on Tuesday in the Dick Vitale Invitational in Charlotte, N.C. Against WCU, they led by 24 points.

Duke used some tight defense in the second half to roll past the Longhorns, 75-60. The defense never rested Saturday in the second half as the Devils continued to contest everything.

Western Carolina was limited to 30.6% shooting — 4 for 26 on 3-pointers — and had 14 turnovers.

What did we learn about the Blue Devils in their second game?

Shooting the 3-pointer

The Blue Devils have a lineup of players who believe they can shoot the 3. Some can better than others, but many believe they can.

Isaiah Evans has the green light at all times and the guy they call “Slim” can light it up from the 3-point line. Harris has a nice touch from 3.

But there are some who may have to be more judicious as the season moves along. With the inside threats of Boozer and Patrick Ngongba II and a number of slash-to-the-rim types, the Devils might look to attack the paint more and ease up on the 3s.

Duke was 3 of 17 from 3 in the first half Saturday. Cameron Boozer had five 3-point shots and missed four, getting most of his 14 first-half points on his inside strength and five made free throws.

Duke finished 10 for 32 on 3s.

Boozer builds a game

Much was made of Boozer’s start in his first college game. The freshman forward was scoreless in the first half against Texas and showed hints of irritation.

In Saturday’s game, Boozer began with a poor pass insider to Ngongba that was a turnover, then fouled Kell on a drive.

But Boozer, as he did against Texas, built a game. The numbers came. By halftime he had 14 points and six rebounds and just missed a second double-double to start the season.

In the second half, he nailed a trio of 3-pointers, two from the left of the key and then a corner shot. He also finished with five assists.

One thing about both Boozers, large and small: they have a stoic demeanor, letting little bother them on the court. It will be interesting to see how that holds up in the big games to come.

A different look to the rotation

Duke coach Jon Scheyer said Tuesday that the Devils still were “figuring out” the rotations and had an interesting one Saturday: Boozer and Caleb Foster playing together.

Boozer can run the offense and Foster can look to add offense. The two competed through preseason practice and Foster started both games as Boozer came off the bench.

But Boozer is always in sync with his twin brother on the court as the two play off each other so well. Foster, the 6-5 junior, can match up with taller guards and can share the ballhandling duties with Boozer.

Foster had two points at halftime Saturday but picked it up in the second half with some strong moves the basket and had six rebounds.

Boozer had 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists. At 6-4, he’s the shortest player on the Duke roster but he can help on the boards, as he did Saturday.

Late in the game, Boozer simply yanked the ball out of the hands of a WCU player. Fouled, he added two free throws.

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