ACC Basketball – #6 Duke Outlasts Texas, 75-60

CHARLOTTE, N.C. ( Nov. 4, 2025 ) — The Duke Blue Devils (ranked #6) opened their 2025-26 campaign in emphatic fashion, outlasting the Texas Longhorns 75-60 Tuesday night at the Dick Vitale Invitational in Charlotte. After a sluggish first half, Duke exploded in the second to seize control and roll to victory. (ESPN.com)

Game Recap & Key Stats

The Longhorns entered the game with momentum and built a slender 33-32 lead at halftime, but Duke flipped the script after the break. (Duke University)

• Final score: Duke 75, Texas 60. (ESPN.com)
• Duke shot 42.3 % from the field and 39.1 % from three-point range. Texas managed only 32.2 % shooting overall. (ESPN.com)
• Duke forced 16 Texas turnovers. (ESPN.com)
• The Blue Devils opened the second half with a 10-0 run to turn a one-point deficit into a comfortable lead. (Duke University)
• Fast break and ball-movement edge: Duke out-scored Texas 11-6 in fast break points, and eight of their nine players who saw the court had at least one assist. (Duke University)

Stand-Out Performers

• Isaiah Evans (Duke): Posted a career-high 23 points, going 7-of-13 from the field and draining four threes. His scoring surge helped spark the second-half run. (Duke University)
• Cameron Boozer (Duke freshman): Though scoreless in the first half (0-for-7), he erupted in the second half to finish with 15 points and 13 rebounds. He also added three steals and two assists. (Duke University)
• Patrick Ngongba II (Duke): Contributed 10 points, providing valuable support and balance to the Duke attack. (Duke Basketball Report)
• For Texas: Dailyn Swain scored 16 points to lead his team, though the Longhorns struggled to keep pace. (University of Texas Athletics)

What Coach Scheyer Had to Say

Head coach Jon Scheyer reflected after the game:

“That’s one way to start off the season. I couldn’t be more proud of our team. I thought we showed great fight. Obviously, there’s a lot we can do better and clean up… The start of the second half was a key moment. The way we responded… our guys made some big-time winning plays.” (Duke University)

On Boozer’s performance and team evolution:

“Cam [Boozer], first game as a freshman… Doesn’t have his best stuff early. He comes out in the second half and has 15 and 13 on an off night — not bad at all.” (Duke University)

What It Means & Looking Ahead

This win serves as a strong early statement for Duke. Opening the season with a resilient second-half performance against a quality opponent underscores the team’s depth and poise.

• The ability to rally from a halftime deficit and dominate the second half suggests maturity and readiness.
• Freshman impact (Boozer) plus veterans stepping up (Evans, Ngongba) gives Duke multiple dimensions.
• On the flip side, Texas will need to fix its shooting woes and turnover issues if it hopes to bounce back.

Up next, Duke will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming games, while Texas will seek answers and consistency early in the non-conference slate.

Final Word

The Blue Devils showed flashes of dominance, particularly once they locked in after halftime. Evans’ breakout night and Boozer’s second-half surge gave Duke the edge they needed. While the opening half offered warning signs, the closing stretch proved their worth. Duke fans have reason for optimism — the team may be poised for a strong run this season.