Duke Defeats North Carolina, Loses Key Players to Injury

No. 1 Blue Devils win 76-61 but suffer injuries to starting point guard Caleb Foster and center Patrick Ngongba

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The top-ranked Duke Blue Devils defeated their rival North Carolina Tar Heels 76-61 in a rematch of an earlier loss this season. However, the victory came at a cost as Duke lost starting point guard Caleb Foster and center Patrick Ngongba to right foot injuries during the game. Despite the injuries, Duke was able to pull away in the second half behind a dominant performance from freshman star Cameron Boozer, who finished with 26 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists. The Tar Heels were also missing their best player, Caleb Wilson, due to a season-ending thumb injury.

Why it matters

The injuries to Foster and Ngongba are a major concern for Duke as they head into the NCAA Tournament, where they were expected to be a top contender for the national championship. The Blue Devils have looked like a juggernaut for much of the season, but these injuries could derail their title hopes if the players are unable to return in time. The rivalry win over North Carolina is also significant, as it avenges an earlier loss to the Tar Heels and helps Duke secure the outright ACC regular season title.

The details

In the first half, Duke's starting point guard Caleb Foster suffered a right foot injury and did not return to the game. Later in the second half, starting center Patrick Ngongba was also seen wearing a walking boot on his right foot and did not play. Despite the injuries, Duke was able to pull away in the second half, going on a 13-0 run and then a 24-2 run to blow the game open. Freshman star Cameron Boozer led the way for Duke with 26 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists. North Carolina was also missing their best player, Caleb Wilson, who suffered a season-ending broken right thumb injury in practice earlier in the week.

  • Caleb Foster suffered his right foot injury with just under 5 minutes left in the first half.
  • Patrick Ngongba was seen wearing a walking boot on his right foot in the second half.

The players

Caleb Foster

Duke's starting point guard who suffered a right foot injury during the game.

Patrick Ngongba

Duke's starting center who was also seen wearing a walking boot on his right foot during the second half.

Cameron Boozer

Duke freshman star who led the team with 26 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists.

Caleb Wilson

North Carolina's best player who suffered a season-ending broken right thumb injury earlier in the week.

Jon Scheyer

Duke's head coach.

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What they’re saying

“Now, that's not to say that the Blue Devils — who ultimately pulled away thanks to another sensational performance from star freshman Cameron Boozer, who finished with 26 points, 15 rebounds and five assists — cannot still make a deep run in March.”

— Brendan Marks, Author (nytimes.com)

What’s next

Duke and coach Jon Scheyer will hope that the injuries to Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba are not serious and that the players can return in time for the NCAA Tournament. The team's depth and ability to overcome adversity will be tested as they prepare for the postseason.

The takeaway

Despite the injuries, Duke's dominant performance against their rival North Carolina shows that they have the talent and resilience to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. However, the health of their key players will be crucial to their championship aspirations.