Duke Defeats Syracuse in Defensive Battle

Blue Devils remain atop ACC standings with home win over Orange

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The fourth-ranked Duke Blue Devils defeated the Syracuse Orange 78-60 in a defensive-minded matchup at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Duke, sitting atop the ACC standings, used its stifling defense to limit Syracuse's scoring opportunities and pull away for the victory.

Why it matters

This win keeps Duke firmly in position for a top seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, as the Blue Devils continue to prove their dominance at home. For Syracuse, the loss is a setback in their quest to secure a spot in the tournament field.

The details

Duke's defense was the difference, holding Syracuse to just 60 points on 53.3% effective field goal shooting. The Blue Devils forced 17.9% turnovers from the Orange and limited their second-chance opportunities. Offensively, Duke was led by star forward Cameron Boozer, who scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

  • The game was played on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Cameron Boozer

A standout forward for the Duke Blue Devils, averaging 22.8 points and 9.9 rebounds per game this season.

Donnie Freeman

The leading scorer for the Syracuse Orange, averaging 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.

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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 (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This game highlighted Duke's defensive prowess and ability to grind out wins, even against a capable opponent like Syracuse. The Blue Devils' stifling defense and efficient offense make them a formidable team poised for a deep NCAA Tournament run.