A nail-biting showdown unfolded on January 10, 2026, as Duke narrowly edged out SMU with a final score of 82-75. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the grit and determination of both teams.
Isaiah Evans was the hero of the night, racking up 21 crucial points for Duke. His clutch 3-pointer with just 1:15 remaining in the game was a game-changer, giving Duke a significant lead. This play echoed a similar moment in December, where Evans' late 3-pointer sealed a victory against Florida. The play was set up by freshman sensation Cam Boozer, proving their incredible teamwork.
Patrick Ngongba II matched his career-high with 17 points, while Cam Boozer contributed 18 points, including a powerful basket that gave Duke a lead just before Evans' pivotal shot. Duke's shooting accuracy was at 49%, and this win marked their 25th consecutive home game victory.
On the other side, Jaden Toombs led SMU with an impressive 23 points, shooting an outstanding 10-for-12. Despite their strong performance, the Mustangs faced a tough challenge without their leading scorer, Boopie Moller, who was sidelined due to illness. SMU had a promising start, scoring the first 11 points of the game and giving Duke a run for their money throughout. However, their 21 turnovers proved costly, leading to 21 points for the Blue Devils.
But here's where it gets controversial... SMU's loss at Clemson on Wednesday, following their entry into the AP Top 25 poll for the first time since the 2016-17 season, surely stung.
At halftime, Duke celebrated the 25th anniversary of their 2001 NCAA championship, with legendary figures like Shane Battier, Carlos Boozer, Mike Dunleavy, and Jay Williams joining Coach Mike Krzyzewski on the court. It was a nostalgic moment, especially considering Boozer's twin sons, Cam and Cayden, are currently playing for Duke.
Up Next:
- SMU will host Virginia Tech on Wednesday.
- Duke will embark on their first cross-country ACC trip, visiting California on Wednesday.
What do you think? Did SMU's turnovers ultimately cost them the game? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
