Duke Basketball Summary

Duke Basketball opened its 2025-26 season with a decisive 75-60 victory over Texas in the Dick Vitale Invitational at the Spectrum Center. The Blue Devils' defense was a key factor in the win, forcing Texas into 16 turnovers and limiting their shooting to just 32 percent from the field.

According to Chip Alexander, Duke's head coach Jon Scheyer emphasized the importance of a strong defensive mindset, which he learned during his time under Coach Mike Krzyzewski. Scheyer's strategy paid off as Duke held Texas to 33 percent shooting in the first half and 31 percent in the second.

Texas struggled significantly with only six assists throughout the game, showcasing Duke's defensive pressure. Freshman forward Cameron Boozer, although slow to start, ultimately contributed to the win, demonstrating the depth of talent on this year’s roster.

Scheyer praised his players, stating, 'Defense starts with a mindset and these guys have it. They embrace it.' The victory marks a strong beginning to Scheyer's fourth season at the helm, reinforcing the idea that defense will be a cornerstone of Duke's success this year.

Overall, the Blue Devils' ability to apply pressure and disrupt Texas's offensive flow was critical to their opening win, setting a positive tone for the rest of the season.