Duke Crushes Wake Forest 90-69: Cameron Boozer Drops Career-High 32 Points in Dominant ACC Win

The No. 5 Duke Blue Devils delivered a commanding statement performance on Saturday afternoon, January 24, 2026, routing the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 90-69 at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The game, originally scheduled for a later tip-off, was rescheduled to a noon start to avoid the worst of Winter Storm Fern, which brought heavy snow and ice to the region later in the day. Duke took full advantage of the early timing, jumping out to an early lead and never looking back in a game that highlighted their depth, defensive intensity, and the continued rise of freshman sensation Cameron Boozer.

Cameron Boozer was simply unstoppable. The 6’9″ forward erupted for a career-high 32 points on 11-of-20 shooting from the field (3-of-8 from three), grabbed 9 rebounds, dished out 4 assists, recorded 3 steals, and went a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line. It was Boozer’s fourth 30-point game of the season and his second consecutive 30+ point outing, making him the first Duke player to achieve back-to-back 30-point performances since RJ Barrett in 2019.

His scoring efficiency, combined with his ability to impact both ends of the floor, has firmly placed him at the forefront of the National Player of the Year conversation.

Boozer currently leads the nation in scoring at 23.7 points per game, ranks third in the ACC in rebounding (9.9 rpg), is tied for third in steals (1.9 spg), sits 12th in assists (4.1 apg), and ranks fifth nationally in field-goal percentage (.584). Advanced analytics further underscore his dominance: he tops EvanMiya’s Bayesian Performance Rating and Box Bayesian Performance Rating, metrics that account for efficiency, volume, and context.

Boozer’s ability to dominate against ranked opponents—averaging over 25 points in tough matchups—has analysts drawing comparisons to elite freshmen like last year’s NPOY Cooper Flagg, with many believing Boozer is currently the clear frontrunner for the award.

Supporting Boozer’s outburst were solid contributions from the rest of the frontcourt. Patrick Ngongba added 13 points, while Isaiah Evans chipped in 11. Together, Boozer, Ngongba, and Patrick Brown combined for 50 points, 24 rebounds, and 11 assists with only two turnovers—an impressive display of balance and unselfishness. Duke controlled the glass completely, outrebounding Wake Forest 43-22, including a 16-6 advantage on the offensive end, leading to 18 second-chance points that helped seal the blowout.

The Blue Devils’ defense was suffocating. They held Wake Forest to just 69 points, forced 15 turnovers, and limited the Demon Deacons to 38.2% shooting from the field. In the second half, Duke went on a decisive 18-0 run over nearly eight minutes, completely shutting down Wake Forest’s offense and turning a comfortable lead into a rout. Wake Forest, now 11-9 overall and 2-5 in ACC play, simply had no answer for Duke’s size, speed, and relentless pressure.

With the win, Duke improved to 18-1 overall and a perfect 7-0 in ACC play, continuing to lead the conference standings. The victory also extended Duke’s home winning streak over Wake Forest to an astonishing 27 consecutive games, a streak that dates back to 1997. Cameron Indoor Stadium remains one of the toughest places to play in college basketball, and Saturday’s performance was another reminder of why.

Head coach Jon Scheyer praised his team’s focus and execution, especially given the unusual scheduling change. “We knew the storm was coming, so we treated this like a business trip,” Scheyer said postgame. “Cameron was incredible, but the whole group bought in defensively and shared the ball. That’s how you win big in this league.”

The Blue Devils now face a quick turnaround. On Monday evening, January 26, 2026, they welcome the Louisville Cardinals to Cameron Indoor Stadium for the first Big Monday of the season, televised nationally on ESPN with a 7:00 PM ET tip-off. Louisville, hovering around .500 in conference play, will present a different challenge with their up-tempo style and guard play. Duke’s elite defense—ranked 19th nationally and second in the ACC in points allowed per game (65.3)—will be tested against a Cardinals team that can push the pace and force turnovers.

This matchup is critical for Duke as they aim to maintain their stranglehold on the ACC regular-season title and position themselves as a top seed for the NCAA Tournament. Boozer’s continued dominance will be key, but the supporting cast—Ngongba’s versatility, Evans’ shooting, and the defensive tenacity of players like Sion James and Tyrese Proctor—gives Scheyer a deep, balanced roster capable of contending for a national championship.

Saturday’s blowout victory wasn’t just another win; it was a resounding statement. Duke is playing at an elite level, Boozer is performing like the best player in college basketball, and the Blue Devils are showing no signs of slowing down. With March Madness on the horizon and a loaded schedule ahead, this team is built for greatness.

Fans around the country are taking notice. Boozer’s rise has energized Duke Nation and reminded everyone why Cameron Indoor Stadium remains one of the most electric venues in sports. As the Blue Devils prepare for Louisville, the message is clear: this is a team on a mission, led by a freshman who might just become a legend.

Stay locked in for more updates as Duke continues their pursuit of ACC supremacy and another run at the national title. The road to March starts now—and Cameron Boozer is leading the way.