Who Will Win Duke Basketball vs. Cal in ACC Showdown? Our Predictions and Picks…Read More….
Berkeley, Calif. — January 14, 2026 — No. 6 Duke begins a demanding West Coast ACC road swing tonight with a historic stop in Berkeley, as the Blue Devils face California at Haas Pavilion for the first time in program history. Tip-off is set for 11:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. PT) on ACC Network, with Duke aiming to protect its perfect conference record against a motivated Cal squad eager to defend home court.
Duke (15–1, 4–0 ACC) arrives with momentum after an impressive 82–75 win over No. 24 SMU on January 10. Despite foul trouble, freshman phenom Cameron Boozer once again led the way, finishing with 18 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in a poised, mature performance. Boozer has been nothing short of dominant this season, averaging 22.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.9 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 57.9 percent from the field.
The 6-foot-9 forward has quickly emerged as a National Player of the Year contender, anchoring a Duke offense that averages 86.8 points per game while allowing just 66.6. With guards Isaiah Evans and Cayden Boozer providing balance and pace, the Blue Devils have overwhelmed opponents with tempo, length, and defensive pressure.
Head coach Jon Scheyer continues to add milestones to his young tenure. Duke owns the best two-season record in Division I (50–5), and Scheyer recently became the fastest coach in ACC history to reach 100 career wins, further cementing the program’s stability in the post-K era.
Tonight’s matchup, however, presents a unique challenge. Duke has not played an on-campus game in California since its 2022 NCAA Tournament appearance in San Francisco, and Haas Pavilion has long been one of the West Coast’s most difficult environments. While Duke leads the all-time series 3–2, including a 78–57 win last season, this marks its first-ever visit to Cal’s historic home floor.
California (13–4, 1–3 ACC), led by second-year head coach Mark Madsen, has shown signs of growth during its transition into the ACC. The Golden Bears feature a balanced offense with four players averaging double figures, led by dynamic guard Dai-Dai Ames (17.8 PPG). Justin Pippen (14.7), Chris Bell (13.8), and sharpshooter John Camden (13.2)—sixth in the ACC with 42 made three-pointers—round out a group averaging 79.8 points per game.
Cal nearly pulled off a road win at Virginia Tech last time out, falling 78–75 behind a 21-point night from Ames. Still, rebounding remains a glaring weakness. The Bears rank last in the ACC in offensive rebounding (9.59 per game) and have struggled to control the paint—an issue that looms large against Duke’s size and physicality.
That contrast has shaped most expert predictions. Duke’s ability to dominate the glass, force turnovers, and score efficiently inside has analysts projecting a comfortable Blue Devils win, with several forecasts landing around 85–68. Still, a sellout crowd—complete with “Rep the Bay” hats and “NorCal Haas of Pain” rally towels—could keep the game competitive early.
Prediction & Pick: Duke’s depth, rebounding edge, and star power should prove decisive. Expect Cal to fight behind its guards, but Duke’s consistency and interior control make the Blue Devils the clear pick to remain unbeaten in ACC play.
As conference expansion ushers in new rivalries and coast-to-coast matchups, tonight’s game offers a glimpse of the ACC’s evolving future. Duke looks to make history in Berkeley—while Cal hopes to deliver a statement moment of its own.
Leave a Reply