No. 4 Duke delivered one of its most convincing performances of the season, using suffocating defense and second-half execution to pull away from No. 20 Clemson in a 67–54 victory at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils never allowed the Tigers to find consistent rhythm, turning a tight first half into a comfortable double-digit win that strengthened their ACC title push and postseason résumé. Here are the 10 biggest takeaways from the matchup.
1. Duke’s defense controlled the game from start to finish
The Blue Devils dictated the pace with physical, disciplined defense that never allowed Clemson to get comfortable. By cutting off driving lanes and forcing late-clock attempts, Duke turned the Tigers’ offense into a series of contested shots and rushed possessions.
2. Clemson’s offensive margin finally collapsed
Clemson has leaned on balanced scoring and clean execution all season, but that formula fell apart in Durham. The Tigers missed open looks, struggled at the rim, and had no reliable scoring option when the offense stalled.
Duke beats #20 Clemson 67-54!
They’re now 23-2 overall and 12-1 in the ACC.
#1 in the ACC 👿😤🔥 #DukeNation #DukeDub pic.twitter.com/WnxkOIrA8K
— Kaitlin Tomassoni (@ktomassoni1) February 14, 2026
3. Cameron Boozer anchored both ends
Boozer led Duke in scoring, but his overall impact extended well beyond the box score. He rebounded, facilitated, and protected the interior, giving Duke a physical edge even when the Blue Devils played smaller lineups.
4. Isaiah Evans provided two-way energy
Evans’ perimeter shooting helped stretch the lead, but his defensive hustle stood out just as much. He sprinted back in transition, contested shots, and made multiple efforts within single possessions.
5. Duke’s guards shut down the paint
Clemson’s offense thrives on getting into the lane and creating kick-out opportunities. Duke’s perimeter defenders denied those entries, which disrupted the Tigers’ entire offensive structure.
6. Small lineups didn’t hurt Duke on the boards
Jon Scheyer used guard-heavy lineups around Boozer, but Duke’s length and activity prevented Clemson from taking advantage inside. The Blue Devils matched physicality with positioning and effort.
Up 20+ with 4 minutes to go and Duke forgets how to shoot. Clemson takes a last second three down 16. The spread was 13.5. That basket at the end did nothing for Clemson except cash the spread. They’re gambling.
pic.twitter.com/sZzSt2bbq1— Chipp (@ChippersonChip1) February 14, 2026
7. The second half showed Duke’s maturity
Once Duke pushed the lead into double digits, the game never felt close again. The Blue Devils didn’t rely on a scoring burst—they simply maintained defensive pressure and extended the margin methodically.
8. Clemson’s lack of a go-to scorer was exposed
The Tigers’ balanced approach has worked most of the season, but against elite defenses, they lacked a player who could create offense independently. Without that option, the scoring dried up quickly.
9. Cameron Indoor remains a nightmare for Clemson
The loss extended Clemson’s decades-long struggles in Durham. The atmosphere played a role, but execution was the bigger issue as the Tigers once again failed to find rhythm in the building.
10. Duke strengthened its March résumé
With another ranked win and a dominant defensive showing, Duke continued to build the profile of a serious postseason contender. The Blue Devils’ ability to win through defense and composure suggests a team built for tournament play.
