3 Blue Devils Who Need to Step Up Against Hokies

Duke looks to stay unbeaten in ACC play against Virginia Tech

Jan. 31, 2026 at 5:47am

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The Duke basketball program improved to 19-1 overall and 8-0 in ACC play following an 83-52 blowout victory over 20th-ranked Louisville. Now, the Blue Devils turn their attention to the 16-6 Virginia Tech Hokies, who are coming off a home win against Georgia Tech. This article highlights three key Duke players who need to step up in the matchup against the Hokies: Isaiah Evans, Patrick Ngongba, and Nikolas Khamenia.

Why it matters

Duke's commanding win over Louisville highlighted both its defensive dominance and offensive balance. As the Blue Devils prepare to face Virginia Tech, consistent perimeter shooting from Isaiah Evans and Nikolas Khamenia will be essential in opening up scoring opportunities inside for Cameron Boozer and Patrick Ngongba. If Duke can maintain its defensive intensity while finding rhythm early from beyond the arc, it will put itself in a strong position to remain unbeaten in ACC play.

The details

Isaiah Evans has elevated his scoring and played a major role in the team's winning streak, but his efficiency has dipped in recent games. Against Louisville, Evans went 5-of-11 from the field and 2-of-8 from three-point range. For Duke to find success against Virginia Tech, Evans will need to knock down early perimeter shots as a spot-up shooter. Ngongba has been a strong defensive presence for Duke all season, and his offensive game has continued to develop. With much of Virginia Tech's defensive focus likely centered on Cameron Boozer, Ngongba will need to be effective in the post and as a rim runner to complement Boozer's inside dominance. Khamenia delivered a breakout performance against Louisville, scoring 14 points on near-perfect efficiency. Along with Evans, Khamenia's perimeter shooting will be crucial in this matchup.

  • Duke improved to 19-1 overall and 8-0 in ACC play following an 83-52 blowout victory over 20th-ranked Louisville on January 26, 2026.
  • Duke now turns its attention to the 16-6 Virginia Tech Hokies, who are coming off a home win against Georgia Tech.

The players

Isaiah Evans

A Duke player who has elevated his scoring and played a major role in the team's winning streak, but his efficiency has dipped in recent games.

Patrick Ngongba

A strong defensive presence for Duke who has continued to develop his offensive game, averaging 11 points per game while shooting an efficient 63% from the field.

Nikolas Khamenia

A Duke player who delivered a breakout performance against Louisville, scoring 14 points on near-perfect efficiency.

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The takeaway

Duke's commanding win over Louisville highlighted both its defensive dominance and offensive balance. As the Blue Devils prepare to face Virginia Tech, consistent perimeter shooting from Isaiah Evans and Nikolas Khamenia will be essential in opening up scoring opportunities inside for Cameron Boozer and Patrick Ngongba. If Duke can maintain its defensive intensity while finding rhythm early from beyond the arc, it will put itself in a strong position to remain unbeaten in ACC play.