Duke Stifling Defense Sets Tone for 2nd Exhibition Win at Tennessee

The No. 6 Duke Blue Devils traveled to No. 18 Tennessee on Sunday, Oct. 26 in front of a packed house securing a 83-76 win for its second exhibition on the year. Freshman sensation Cameron Boozer led the Blue Devils with a dominant all-around performance, posting 24 points, 23 rebounds, six assists, two blocks, and one steal.

(photo courtesy of Duke Athletics)

Sharpshooter Isaiah Evans added 22 points, knocking down four from downtown along the way.

Big man Patrick Ngongba II also logged double figures, scoring 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting and a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. The sophomore also tallied nine boards, in addition with three blocks. Foul trouble limited Patrick to more minutes and with Maliq Brown missing the contest due to offseason knee surgery, the Blue Devils were depleted on the interior.

Trailing at intermission, the Blue Devils stormed out of the locker room on a 23–9 run to take control. They held the lead for the final 15:48 and went a flawless 20-for-20 from the free-throw line in the second half to secure the victory.

Duke’s defense set the tone after the break, limiting the Volunteers to just 33 second-half points. Tennessee went without a made field goal for more than seven minutes—from the 10:11 to 2:59 mark—as the Blue Devils clamped down to seal the win.

(photo courtesy of the Fayetteville Observer)

Notably, during the Blue Devils first two exhibition contests, freshman Cameron Boozer has averaged 28 and 17 with 5 assists, which are astounding numbers for the stud.

Head coach Jon Scheyer stated post game,

That was everything we could ask for"

Next up for the Blue Devils is the Dick Vitale Invitational live from Charlotte, NC against Texas, Tuesday November 4th. Coverage starts at 8:45pm live from ESPN.