Duke Overcomes Slow Start to Defeat Pitt

Blue Devils bounce back from heartbreaking loss to North Carolina with road win over Panthers

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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After a tough loss to North Carolina, the Duke Blue Devils traveled to Pittsburgh to take on the Pitt Panthers. Duke got off to a slow start, trailing early, but the Blue Devils were able to regain control and pull away for a victory, moving to 22-2 on the season.

Why it matters

This win helps Duke bounce back after a tough loss and keeps them in the hunt for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils have championship aspirations this season and need to avoid any more slip-ups to maintain their position as one of the top teams in the country.

The details

Duke center Patrick Ngongba was out with a wrist injury, and the Blue Devils struggled early, falling behind 12-6. However, guard Isaiah Evans scored 5 straight points to get Duke back in the game. The Blue Devils then closed the first half on a 7-0 run to take a 35-29 lead into halftime. In the second half, Duke stretched the lead to 11 points, but Pitt fought back to make it a 6-point game. Late 3-pointers from Evans and Caleb Foster helped the Blue Devils pull away for the victory.

  • Duke led Pitt 35-29 at halftime.
  • Duke opened the second half with a 5-0 run to go up 40-29.
  • With under 3 minutes remaining, Isaiah Evans and Caleb Foster hit back-to-back 3-pointers to give Duke a 17-point lead.

The players

Patrick Ngongba

Duke center who missed the game due to a wrist injury.

Isaiah Evans

Duke guard who scored 5 straight points to get the Blue Devils back in the game and hit a key 3-pointer late to seal the victory.

Caleb Foster

Duke guard who hit a crucial 3-pointer in the final minutes to help Duke pull away.

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What they’re saying

“Duke's passes have been way too sloppy the past two games. Really need to tighten that up and get their connectivity back.”

— Matt Giles (Twitter)

“Finally waking up. Good lineup shift.”

— Felix Trammell (Twitter)

“Haven't seen closer Caleb Foster since Louisville. But it's a welcome sight for Duke.”

— Conor O'Neill (Twitter)

What’s next

Duke will take on No. 20 Clemson at home on Saturday as they look to continue building momentum heading into the postseason.

The takeaway

Despite a slow start, Duke was able to regain control and pull away for the road victory over Pitt. This win helps the Blue Devils bounce back from their tough loss to North Carolina and keeps them in position for a high NCAA Tournament seed as they head into the final stretch of the regular season.