Duke Basketball Rediscovers Swagger in Win at Pitt

Blue Devils bounce back from loss to UNC with strong second-half performance against Panthers

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Despite playing without starting center Patrick Ngongba II, the Duke basketball team found its rhythm in the second half to defeat the Pittsburgh Panthers 70-54 on the road. Freshman power forward Cameron Boozer led the way for the Blue Devils in the first half, while sophomore guard Isaiah Evans caught fire from beyond the arc in the second half to help Duke pull away.

Why it matters

The win helps Duke bounce back after a tough loss to rival North Carolina and maintain its position near the top of the ACC standings. The Blue Devils showed resilience in overcoming the absence of a key starter, demonstrating the depth and versatility of their roster.

The details

Duke entered the game without starting center Patrick Ngongba II, who was sidelined with a left wrist injury. The Blue Devils struggled early but closed the first half on a 7-0 run to take a 35-29 lead. In the second half, sophomore guard Darren Harris and freshman forward Cameron Boozer helped Duke extend its advantage, and Evans caught fire from 3-point range to seal the victory.

  • Duke entered the break on a 7-0 run and with a 35-29 lead.
  • Darren Harris and Cameron Boozer helped Duke extend its lead early in the second half.
  • Isaiah Evans scored 21 points, including 5-of-6 shooting from 3-point range, in the second half.

The players

Patrick Ngongba II

Duke's starting center who missed the game due to a left wrist injury.

Cameron Boozer

Duke's freshman power forward who led the team with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Isaiah Evans

Duke's sophomore guard who scored 21 points, including 5-of-6 shooting from 3-point range, in the second half.

Caleb Foster

Duke's junior guard who scored 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Jon Scheyer

Duke's fourth-year head coach who led the team to the victory.

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What they’re saying

“Big Pat is out tonight (wrist)”

— Duke Men's Basketball (Twitter)

“Cam's on the board. 💪💪”

— Duke Men's Basketball (Twitter)

“Slim with a 💣💣💣”

— Duke Men's Basketball (Twitter)

What’s next

Duke will host the No. 20 Clemson Tigers on Saturday and the unranked Syracuse Orange on Monday as they continue their ACC schedule.

The takeaway

Duke's ability to overcome the absence of a key starter and find its rhythm in the second half shows the team's depth and resilience, which will be crucial as they look to maintain their position near the top of the ACC standings.