The No. 6 Duke Blue Devils triumphed over the California Bears with a decisive 71-56 victory on January 10, 2024, in Berkeley. Cameron Boozer led the charge for Duke, scoring 21 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, propelling his team to victory in the second half.
In front of a sellout crowd of 11,201 at Haas Pavilion, Duke improved its record to 16-1 overall and 5-0 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Blue Devils found themselves trailing by three points with ten minutes left in the game but went on a stunning 21-5 run to secure the win. During this run, Boozer contributed 11 points, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Game Highlights and Player Performances
Despite entering the game as the conference’s leading scorer with an average of 22.9 points per game, Boozer faced a challenging first half, managing only four points. However, his second-half performance was pivotal. Isaiah Evans also made a significant impact for Duke, contributing 17 points to the team’s efforts.
California, now 13-5 overall and 1-4 in conference play, was led by Lee Dort, who scored 14 points and secured 9 rebounds. The Bears demonstrated resilience, leading for 14:54 of the first half and executing a strong 10-0 run that culminated in a dunk by Dort, giving them a 25-19 lead.
However, Duke responded effectively. After trailing 30-24, the Blue Devils closed the half on a strong note, scoring the final 13 points to take a 37-30 lead into the locker room.
Defensive Strategies and Upcoming Matches
Duke’s defense played a crucial role in their victory, holding California to just 36.5% shooting from the field and 21.7% from beyond the arc. The Bears managed only 5 for 23 on three-point attempts, highlighting Duke’s effectiveness on the defensive end.
Looking ahead, Duke will face Stanford on Saturday, January 13, while California is set to host No. 14 North Carolina the same day. Both teams will be eager to improve their standings as the season progresses.
This victory marks Duke’s fifth straight win, reinforcing their position as a formidable contender in the current season. As the Blue Devils continue their campaign, fans will undoubtedly look forward to more standout performances from players like Cameron Boozer.
