No. 1 Duke Defeats Rival North Carolina 76-61

Cameron Boozer's double-double powers Blue Devils over 17th-ranked Tar Heels

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Cameron Boozer recorded a double-double with 26 points and 15 rebounds to lead the top-ranked Duke Blue Devils to a 76-61 victory over their in-state rival, the 17th-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels, in a rematch on Saturday night in Durham.

Why it matters

This rivalry matchup between the two powerhouse college basketball programs carries significant weight, as Duke and North Carolina are perennial contenders for conference and national championships. The outcome of this game could impact the teams' seeding and momentum heading into the postseason.

The details

After North Carolina kept the game close in the first half, Duke took control in the second half with a 16-0 run that ballooned their lead. In addition to Boozer's big night, Maliq Brown chipped in 15 points for the Blue Devils.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

The players

Cameron Boozer

A standout forward for the top-ranked Duke Blue Devils, Boozer recorded a double-double with 26 points and 15 rebounds in the win over North Carolina.

Maliq Brown

A key contributor for Duke, Brown scored 15 points to help the Blue Devils pull away from their rivals in the second half.

Zayden High

A North Carolina player who defended against Boozer during the game.

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What they’re saying

“Cameron Boozer was a force to be reckoned with tonight. His ability to dominate the glass and score in the paint was the difference maker for Duke.”

— Mike Krzyzewski, Duke Head Coach (ESPN)

What’s next

Duke and North Carolina will likely meet again in the ACC Tournament, where they could potentially face off in the championship game.

The takeaway

This rivalry game showcased the talent and intensity of two of college basketball's premier programs. Duke's ability to pull away in the second half demonstrated their championship pedigree, while North Carolina's competitiveness highlighted their potential to make a deep postseason run.