No. 4 Duke Faces Pittsburgh in High-Stakes ACC Showdown

No. 4 Duke men’s basketball will host Pittsburgh in a highly anticipated ACC matchup Tuesday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The game marks a rematch of last season’s thrilling 80-76 victory by the Panthers, which included a memorable moment when Pittsburgh guard Blake Hinson stood on the media table in front of the silenced Cameron Crazies. This year, Duke seeks redemption and aims to defend its home court against a surging Pittsburgh team.

Pittsburgh, led by head coach Jeff Capel, a former Duke player and assistant coach, enters the game with a 12-2 record and a perfect 3-0 start in ACC play. The Panthers are powered by sophomore guard Jaland Lowe, who averages 17.4 points and 6.1 assists per game, and senior Ishmael Leggett, the team’s leading scorer and rebounder with 17.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. The Panthers also feature 7-foot center Guillermo Diaz Graham, who provides a strong presence in the paint.

Duke, meanwhile, boasts a 22-11 record from last season and a strong start to the 2024-25 campaign. The Blue Devils are led by a balanced roster, including standout performances from junior guard Tyrese Proctor, who averages 11.4 points and shoots 45.5% from beyond the arc. Duke’s ability to rally in the second half has been a key factor in its success, as the team averages nearly three points more in the second half than the first.

Both teams have shown resilience in comebacks this season. Duke overcame a 14-point deficit against Louisville, while Pittsburgh rallied from 16 points down to defeat Cal. The Panthers’ second-half scoring average of 45.4 points ranks seventh nationally, making them a dangerous opponent if the game remains close late.

Key matchups to watch include the battle between Duke’s Proctor and Pittsburgh’s Lowe, as well as the Panthers’ ability to contain Duke’s offensive firepower. The game will also test Pittsburgh’s 3-point shooting, which has been inconsistent this season, with Lowe shooting just 26.3% from deep.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast on ESPN. A win for Duke would solidify its position as a top contender in the ACC, while Pittsburgh aims to continue its strong start and prove it belongs among the conference’s elite.