Duke Upsets No. 6 Louisville to Take Control of ACC

Blue Devils' stifling defense ends Cardinals' 14-game winning streak

Feb. 5, 2026 at 10:07pm

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The No. 17 Duke Blue Devils (17-6, 12-0 ACC) pulled off a 59-58 upset victory over the No. 6 Louisville Cardinals (21-4, 11-1 ACC) on the road, ending Louisville's 14-game winning streak. Duke's suffocating defense, which has been the best in the ACC this season, limited the high-powered Louisville offense to just 58 points, their lowest output of the year. The Blue Devils' length and ability to switch on screens took away Louisville's 3-point looks, and they also protected the rim well with 8 blocks. This win puts Duke in sole possession of first place in the ACC standings.

Why it matters

This victory is a major statement for Duke, validating their preseason promise after a rocky 3-6 start to the season. The Blue Devils have now won 14 straight games and are in the driver's seat for their first ACC regular season title since 2013. This game also showcases Duke's defensive identity under coach Kara Lawson, which has been the key to their turnaround after early-season struggles.

The details

Duke's defense was the difference, limiting Louisville to just 21-of-62 shooting (33.9%) and forcing them to rely on offensive rebounds for 16 of their 58 points. The Blue Devils switched well on screens to take away Louisville's 3-point looks, and they also protected the rim with 8 blocks. Offensively, Duke committed 19 turnovers which led to 20 Louisville points, but the defense was able to overcome those miscues.

  • Duke entered the game tied atop the ACC standings with Louisville.
  • This was Duke's first win in Louisville since the Cardinals joined the ACC in 2013.

The players

Kara Lawson

The head coach of the Duke Blue Devils women's basketball team.

Riley Nelson

A Duke player who entered the starting lineup and helped spark the Blue Devils' 14-game winning streak.

Toby Fournier

A Duke player who had 3 blocked shots in the game to preserve the Blue Devils' lead late.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

Duke's defensive identity and ability to limit high-powered offenses has been the key to their turnaround this season. This win over a top-10 Louisville team shows the Blue Devils have the potential to make a deep NCAA Tournament run if they can maintain this level of defensive intensity.