### Duke Basketball Triumphs: A Comeback Against Louisville On January 7, 2026, the No. 6 Duke Blue Devils achieved a significant victory over No. 20 Louisville, overcoming a halftime deficit to win 84-73. This match marked Duke's third consecutive win and showcased the impressive performance of freshman Cameron Boozer, who scored 27 points. The Blue Devils demonstrated remarkable shooting efficiency, particularly in the second half, where they shot 71% from the field. This game not only solidified Duke's position in the ACC but also highlighted their resilience in overcoming a 12-point deficit earlier in the match. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Game Overview** - Duke trailed by nine points at halftime (47-38) but rallied in the second half to outscore Louisville 46-26. - Cameron Boozer led the scoring with 27 points, while Isaiah Evans contributed 23 points. 2. **Second Half Surge** - Duke initiated a 16-6 run early in the second half, with Boozer scoring seven points during this stretch. - The Blue Devils regained the lead at 54-53 with 13:36 remaining in the game. 3. **Shooting Performance** - Duke's shooting improved significantly after halftime, making 5 of 7 field goals and 6 of 9 free throws within the first six minutes of the second half. - Overall, Duke shot 71% from the field in the second half, compared to Louisville's 38%. 4. **Free Throw Disparity** - Duke capitalized on free throw opportunities, making 19 of 28 attempts, while Louisville managed only 9 of 12. - This disparity in free throw shooting played a crucial role in the outcome of the game. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Scoring Breakdown**: - **Duke**: - Cameron Boozer: 27 points (10-of-12 shooting, 3-of-4 from three-point range) - Isaiah Evans: 23 points - **Louisville**: - Ryan Conwell: 24 points (8-of-19 shooting) - **Shooting Statistics**: - **First Half**: Duke shot 38% (15-of-39), Louisville shot 50% (19-of-38). - **Second Half**: Duke shot 71% (12-of-17), Louisville shot 38% (10-of-26). - **Free Throws**: - Duke: 19 made on 28 attempts - Louisville: 9 made on 12 attempts ### Conclusion: A Defining Victory for Duke In summary, Duke's 84-73 victory over Louisville was a testament to their resilience and skill, particularly in the second half. The Blue Devils not only showcased their ability to overcome a significant deficit but also highlighted their offensive efficiency and strategic free throw shooting. 1. **Duke's Comeback**: Overcame a 12-point deficit to secure a win. 2. **Key Players**: Cameron Boozer and Isaiah Evans were instrumental in the victory. 3. **Shooting Efficiency**: A stark contrast in shooting percentages between halves. 4. **Free Throws**: A critical factor in Duke's success. This game reinforces Duke's status as a formidable contender in the ACC this season, maintaining their perfect record in conference play [https://apnews.com/article/duke-louisville-score-26f70e7d7d434622186625182af4df44, https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/duke-basketball-surges-second-half-022149686.html, https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/breaking-news/article/cameron-boozer-no-6-duke-rally-from-largest-deficit-of-the-season-to-beat-no-20-louisville-021358123.html, https://abc11.com/post/boozer-scores-27-no-6-duke-rallies-past-20-louisville-84-73/18364317, https://www.southernsportstoday.com/2026/01/07/cameron-boozer-isaiah-evans-propel-no-6-duke-past-no-20-louisville, https://www.nbcsports.com/mens-college-basketball/news/cameron-boozer-scores-27-hot-shooting-no-6-duke-rallies-past-no-20-louisville-84-73, https://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/cameron_boozer_scores_27_as_no_6_duke_storms_back_to_beat_no_20_louisville/s1_13132_43296302].