Duke's Boozer Blames Wolfpack for Arm Scratch in Blowout Win

Cameron Boozer shines despite physical play from NC State in Duke's dominant victory.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Duke basketball star Cameron Boozer put up 26 points in a 93-64 win over NC State, but not before sustaining a noticeable scratch on his arm from the physical play of the Wolfpack. Boozer, who is expected to be a top NBA draft pick, brushed off the incident, saying it just showed the fight his team brought to the game.

Why it matters

Boozer's dominant performance despite the physical play highlights his NBA-readiness and Duke's status as a top contender for the NCAA championship. The incident also speaks to the intensity of the rivalry between Duke and NC State.

The details

In the second half, Boozer said one of the Wolfpack's big men left a "huge scratch" on his right arm. However, the freshman sensation continued to excel, shooting 8-10 from the field and 9-11 from the free-throw line to lead Duke to a blowout victory.

  • Duke basketball defeated NC State 93-64 on March 3, 2026.

The players

Cameron Boozer

A freshman basketball player for Duke University who is expected to be a top NBA draft pick.

NC State Wolfpack

The men's basketball team from North Carolina State University, who faced off against Duke in this game.

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What they’re saying

“It was some point in the second half. One of their big men. The Wolfpack got me. They got long claws.”

— Cameron Boozer, Duke Basketball Player (FOX College Hoops on X)

What’s next

Duke basketball is on course to earn the top seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, making them the favorite to win the national championship.

The takeaway

Boozer's dominant performance despite the physical play from NC State highlights his NBA-readiness and Duke's status as a top contender for the NCAA title, underscoring the intensity of the rivalry between the two programs.