Gameday Preview: #2 Duke vs Wake Forest – Mon March 3rd 2025

Durham NC: The Duke Blue Devils (26-3, 17-7 ACC) host the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (20-9, 12-6 ACC) in Senior Night/One and Done Night in Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils look to finish another season undefeated at home as the Demon Deacons look to win in Cameron for the first time this millenia. The last time the Deacs took down the Devils on the road was Tim Duncan’ senior year of 1997.

The Blue Devils demolished the Florida State Seminoles 100-65 to gain their school record 17th ACC regular season win. The Blue Devils were playing without junior guard Tyrese Proctor and Syracuse transfer Maliq Brown, both out with injuries and indefinite time frames to return. Midway through the first half, Cooper Flagg also went down with an injury after taking a blow to the face. He was able to return to the game in the second half where he was able to score 16 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Isaiah Evans led the Blue Devils in scoring, earning his first start in place of the injured Proctor. Evans  finished the game with 9 points off of 4 three pointers. 

The Demon Deacons played host to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Saturday afternoon. After falling behind double digits and trailing for most of the game, the Deacons were able to take the lead at the four minute mark of the second half. The Deacs escaped a season ending loss to the Irish, 74-71. Cameron Hildreth led the Deacs in scoring again, surpassing the 20 point mark in ACC play again scoring 28 points. Hunter Salis added an additional 17 points, the only other Deacon in double digits. 

Key Points

Wake

• Drive the ball- Force the Duke defense to switch and possibly pick up fouls. The Blue Devils have a deep bench but the talent drop is noticeable the further you do. The Devils are possibly playing without two key pieces, and foul trouble could be disastrous
• Who can make a three? The Blue Devils are elite from the arc and can score points in bunches. To keep up, the Deacs need to make threes and cannot afford to be down double digits in the three point margin.
• Play like this is a Championship game. The Deacs need to leave it all on the floor tonight. The Deacs are on the outside looking in on the NCAA tournament. A loss in their last Quad 1 chance of the season could be the final nail for the Deacs and make the NIT bound. 

Duke

• Avoid offensive lags- In their last matchup, the Devils allowed the Deacs back into the game going on a prolonged drought on the offensive end. The Devils need to keep their scoring consistent to bury the Deacs
• Maluach v Reid. In Winston Salem, Maliq Brown took the majority of the playing time against Efton Reid. He is the better, more agile matchup. Maluach needs to prove his defensive abilities by staying with Reid and keeping the Deacs a two score team
• Isiah Evans- Most likely getting his second career start against the Deacs, Evans needs to find his groove early. He was cold out the gate against the Seminoles, a hot start from Evans could end this game early.