Duke Hosts Clemson in Key ACC Matchup

Blue Devils look to maintain control of ACC standings against Tigers' stifling defense

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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No. 2 Duke (22-2, 11-1 ACC) hosts No. 14 Clemson (20-5, 10-2 ACC) in a crucial ACC showdown at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils boast an elite offense and defense, led by likely ACC Player of the Year Cameron Boozer, while the Tigers rely on a balanced scoring attack and stifling defense to grind out wins.

Why it matters

This game has major implications for the ACC regular season title race, with Duke and Clemson tied atop the conference standings. A Duke win would give them sole possession of first place, while a Clemson victory would create a logjam at the top of the ACC.

The details

Clemson is coming off a surprising home loss to Virginia Tech, but the Tigers have proven to be a tough out with their depth and defensive intensity. The Blue Devils will need to find a way to slow down Clemson's balanced scoring attack, led by junior center Carter Welling, while also containing the Tigers' productive bench players like Nick Davidson and Ace Buckner. Duke's elite defense, anchored by Patrick Ngongba, will be tested against Clemson's methodical, half-court offense.

  • The game tips off at 12:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Cameron Boozer

Duke's star junior forward and likely ACC Player of the Year.

Carter Welling

Clemson's junior center and the focal point of the Tigers' offense and defense.

Patrick Ngongba

Duke's senior center, who will be tasked with containing Welling in the paint.

Nick Davidson

Clemson's productive sixth man, providing a scoring punch off the bench.

Ace Buckner

Clemson's reserve guard who changes the tempo and dynamic when he enters the game.

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What they’re saying

“We must be ready for Clemson's physicality and depth. They have a lot of weapons that can hurt you if you're not locked in defensively.”

— Mike Krzyzewski, Duke Head Coach (ESPN)

“Our guys are excited for the challenge of going into Cameron and taking on one of the best teams in the country. We know we'll have to play our best basketball to come out on top.”

— Brad Brownell, Clemson Head Coach (Clemson Athletics)

What’s next

The winner of this game will take sole possession of first place in the ACC standings with just a few weeks remaining in the regular season.

The takeaway

This matchup between two of the ACC's top teams promises to be a hard-fought, physical battle that could come down to which team is able to impose its style of play. Duke's offensive firepower against Clemson's stifling defense makes for a compelling clash of styles with major conference title implications.