Duke basketball has been a force to reckon with in the ACC this season. With five straight double-digit victories in conference play, the fourth-ranked Blue Devils (13-2, 5-0 ACC) are showing why they are contenders for the national championship.
As they gear up to face Notre Dame (7-8, 1-3 ACC) on Saturday at Cameron Indoor Stadium (Noon, ESPN), the Blue Devils are in their best ACC form since the 1998-99 season, which culminated in a national championship game appearance. Head coach Jon Scheyer has his team firing on all cylinders, but Notre Dame will look to play spoiler after close losses to North Carolina and N.C. State.
Here’s an in-depth look at what to expect, including an updated score prediction.
Duke’s Dominance in the ACC
The Blue Devils have steamrolled their way through the first five games of conference play, winning by an average margin of 23.2 points. This level of dominance hasn’t been seen since the late ’90s and reflects Duke’s strong defensive identity and improving offensive firepower.
Duke’s defensive unit has been the backbone of this success, holding opponents to an average of just 59.8 points per game during the ACC stretch. Meanwhile, the offense has steadily improved, particularly from beyond the arc.
The Notre Dame Challenge
Notre Dame enters Saturday’s matchup on shaky ground. The Fighting Irish are 7-8 overall and 1-3 in conference play, with their lone ACC win coming against Boston College. They’ve suffered back-to-back heartbreaking losses, falling by a single point to both North Carolina and N.C. State. Despite their struggles, Notre Dame has a trio of playmakers in Markus Burton, Braeden Shrewsberry, and Tae Davis who could test Duke’s defense.
Key Players for Notre Dame
- Markus Burton: Recently back from a knee injury, Burton has been the heart of Notre Dame’s offense, averaging 19 points in his last two outings. However, his 3.5 turnovers per game during that stretch have hindered the team’s ability to close out games.
- Braeden Shrewsberry: With seven 3-pointers in his last two games, Shrewsberry provides a deep threat that could stretch Duke’s defense.
- Tae Davis: The most consistent of the trio, Davis is averaging 15.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in his last two games. His ability to contribute across the board makes him a key player to watch.
Notre Dame’s reliance on these three players could prove to be a disadvantage against Duke’s depth and balanced attack.
Duke’s 3-Point Surge
While defense has been Duke’s hallmark this season, the offense—particularly 3-point shooting—has come alive. The Blue Devils have made double-digit 3-pointers in four straight games for the first time this year, shooting an impressive 43.4% from deep during that span.
Tyrese Proctor’s Role
Tyrese Proctor has been pivotal in this resurgence. Over the last two games, he’s hit 7-of-11 attempts from beyond the arc, complementing his playmaking and on-ball defense. His ability to knock down big shots will be crucial as Duke continues to build momentum.
The Bench Needs to Step Up
One area where Duke can improve is bench production. In their dominant win over Pittsburgh, the Blue Devils managed just six points from their bench, compared to 16 from the Panthers. Mason Gillis was the lone bright spot, scoring five of those points.
Against Notre Dame, the bench has an opportunity to make a bigger impact. Players like Gillis, Maliq Brown, Isaiah Evans, and Caleb Foster will need to take advantage of a Fighting Irish team that leans heavily on its starting lineup. Increased bench production could turn a comfortable win into a statement game.
Home-Court Advantage
Duke has historically dominated this matchup, winning 31 of 39 games against Notre Dame, including 11 of 13 at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Cameron Crazies will undoubtedly bring their energy on Saturday, making life difficult for the Fighting Irish.
Score Prediction: Duke 84, Notre Dame 60
Duke’s defense has been elite all season, and the offense is firing on all cylinders as the team enters the heart of ACC play. The Fighting Irish will struggle to keep pace with Duke’s depth, especially if Burton, Shrewsberry, and Davis face defensive pressure from start to finish.
Mason Gillis and the Blue Devils’ bench are likely to have a bounce-back performance, complementing a strong showing from the starters. Tyrese Proctor and Cooper Flagg will lead the charge offensively, while the team’s improved 3-point shooting keeps the scoreboard moving.
Expect the Blue Devils to secure another double-digit win, solidifying their position atop the ACC standings.
At this point in the season, the Blue Devils are not just winning games—they are setting a tone for the rest of the conference. With a combination of stellar defense, balanced scoring, and a deep bench, Duke basketball is well-positioned to continue its dominance as March approaches.