The Blue Devils handled business on the floor — and honored something far bigger than basketball.
It was more than just another early-season matchup. When Duke basketball stepped onto the floor at West Point, the night carried a deeper meaning — one that tied together history, respect, and dominance.
This wasn’t a cushy neutral-site contest or a routine home buy game. It was a true road trip — something few powerhouse programs take on anymore. The pregame ceremony honoring Mike Krzyzewski’s legendary career, the Veterans Day setting, and the energy from the cadets inside Christl Arena made the atmosphere unforgettable.
For a while, Army hung tough with the No. 5 Blue Devils. But once Duke found its rhythm, the gap widened quickly. A late first-half surge — capped by a 12-2 run — turned a close game into a statement. From there, Duke never looked back, cruising to a commanding 115–59 victory.
The second half was pure Blue Devil dominance. Duke held Army to just 26.5% shooting (9-of-34) after the break and outscored the Black Knights by 36 points. It was the type of performance that shows both discipline and depth — hallmarks of what Jon Scheyer wants this team to be.
“I thought it was a very business-like approach tonight,” Scheyer said afterward. “They obviously played their [butts] off — they did a great job sharing the ball. Very proud of the effort.”
Freshman guard Dame Sarr had a breakout performance, dropping 19 points after scoring just 10 total across Duke’s first two games. Isaiah Evans continued his hot start with 17 points, while Cameron Boozer (15 points, 9 rebounds) and Patrick Ngongba II (16 points, 9 rebounds) dominated inside.
Four different Blue Devils finished with at least 15 points — proof of a team that’s learning to share the spotlight as well as the ball.
Now 3–0, Duke heads back to Cameron Indoor to face Indiana State on Friday (7 p.m. ET, ACC Network) before returning to New York next week for the Champions Classic — a primetime showdown with No. 25 Kansas inside Madison Square Garden.
A game that started as a meaningful tribute to the past ended as a strong statement about the present — and a reminder that this Duke team might be even scarier than expected.
