No. 6 Duke Faces Ultimate Test at No. 20 Louisville in ACC Rematch Showdown…Read More….
The Duke Blue Devils enter 2026 with momentum and confidence, but a daunting road test awaits. Fresh off a gritty 91–87 victory over Florida State—highlighted by sophomore Isaiah Evans’ career-high 28 points—No. 6 Duke (13–1, 2–0 ACC) travels to Louisville for a marquee top-20 ACC clash against the No. 20 Cardinals tonight at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
This contest carries more weight than a typical January matchup. It serves as a rematch of last season’s ACC Tournament championship game, where Duke narrowly edged Louisville in a hard-fought classic. The Blue Devils have dominated the recent series, winning seven straight meetings and 10 of the last 13, but history may offer little comfort inside a hostile KFC Yum! Center.
Louisville (11–3, 1–1 ACC) has been nearly unbeatable at home, boasting an 8–0 record this season. The Cardinals are eager to respond after a tough conference loss and will rely on their perimeter shooting, physical defense, and one of the ACC’s loudest home crowds to challenge Duke’s young core.
That core has been exceptional. Freshman twins Cameron and Cayden Boozer continue to exceed expectations. Cameron has emerged as a legitimate National Player of the Year candidate, consistently posting double-doubles while anchoring both ends of the floor. Cayden complements him with poise and creativity, giving Duke a steady presence at guard. With Evans finding his scoring rhythm and Duke’s defense holding opponents in check, head coach Jon Scheyer’s squad is beginning to resemble a serious national title contender.
Still, winning on the road in the ACC is never simple—especially for a team leaning heavily on freshmen. Louisville’s experience, energy, and urgency could turn this matchup into a battle deep into the final minutes. The question is whether Duke’s young stars can withstand the pressure and maintain their composure under the bright lights.
Beyond the men’s program, Duke basketball is thriving across the board. The Blue Devils’ women’s team delivered a statement win of its own, dismantling No. 18 Notre Dame 82–68. Taina Mair led the charge with 23 points, while Toby Fournier added 20, as all five starters reached double figures in an impressive display that signals a dramatic turnaround for the program.
Off the court, Duke’s future looks just as promising. The Blue Devils recently secured a commitment from five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr. for the 2026 class, pushing them to No. 1 in the national recruiting rankings and reinforcing Scheyer’s long-term vision.
Tonight’s showdown in Louisville may not decide the ACC title, but it could define Duke’s season. A road win would solidify their status among college basketball’s elite. A loss would serve as a reminder of how unforgiving the conference can be. Either way, it’s must-watch basketball.
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