Well, it didn’t look pretty early for the 6th-ranked Duke Blue Devils, but the powerhouse program was able to use a second-half surge to propel past No. 20 Louisville in an 84-73 finish to move to 3-0 in ACC play.
Cam Boozer and Isaiah Evans Explode In Win
Despite falling behind 47-38 at the end of the first half with the Duke offense sputtering throughout, the dynamic duo of freshman sensation Cam Boozer and sophomore Isaiah Evans put on a scoring display to help lead Duke to the win.
Evans and Boozer accounted for 50 of the Blue Devils’ 84 total points, dropping in 23 points and 27 points apiece in the win. That 27-point outing for Boozer represented the fifth time the Wooden Award frontrunner scored 20+ points in the past 7 games.
The Duke Blue Devils also got great offensive production from an unlikely source in junior Caleb Foster in the win. The North Carolina native scored a season-high 20 points as Foster took over the game in the second half to provide the boost the Blue Devils desperately needed.
Louisville Goes Cold From Three-Point Land In Collapse
After making 10 threes at a scorching hot 47% clip in the first half to give themselves a 9-point lead at the half, the Cardinals’ offense went missing in action in the second half. Louisville would only end up making two threes in the second half as their overall three-point percentage plummeted to 31% for the game.
Although it was another crushing defeat in a season that seems to be coming undone at the seams, senior Ryan Conwell continued his outstanding play despite the loss. The Xavier transfer dropped in 24 points and snagged 7 rebounds in a valiant effort for the Cardinals.
Louisville Continues To Struggle In Mikel Brown Jr’s Absence
It’s been quite the saga surrounding Louisville’s highly touted freshman Mikel Brown Jr since he was last on the court for the Cardinals. The 5-star recruit has missed the last several games for Louisville due to a lingering lower back injury, with a bit of controversy on that subject matter.
According to a report by The Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman, the back injury Brown Jr. is currently dealing with was due to an accident during a workout in the team’s weight room. However, Brown Jr. took to X to refute the report, saying the issues with his back came during the Cardinals game against Memphis on Dec. 13.
Whatever the situation may be surrounding Brown Jr’s injury, the Cardinals’ 2-3 record in his absence is evident enough that Louisville is struggling without their star freshman leading the way on offense.
What Lies Ahead For Both Teams
Following their game tonight, the road ahead for both Duke and Louisville will stay tough. In Duke’s case, they will have a couple of days off before facing off against No. 24 SMU at Cameron Indoor on Saturday.
For Louisville, they’ll have a chance for a rebound win as they’ll be at home again to face Boston College. That game will represent the second of a three-game home stand for Louisville.
