Duke Faces Struggling Miami in Key ACC Matchup

Durham, NC — Duke University’s men’s basketball team will head to Miami to face the struggling Hurricanes in an important Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) showdown this Tuesday. With both teams in need of a win, the Blue Devils aim to maintain their momentum and capitalize on Miami’s ongoing difficulties.

The Blue Devils enter the game with a record of 21-3 overall, boasting a strong ACC record of 13-1. Duke is coming off a decisive 110-67 victory over Illinois, where standout freshman Cooper Flagg showcased his skills, contributing significantly in points, rebounds, and assists. Meanwhile, Miami has had a disappointing season, lying at the bottom of the ACC with a record of 6-21, including a mere 2-14 in conference play.

Historically, Duke has dominated the matchup with a 27-9 record against Miami, with the last encounter resulting in an 89-54 win for the Blue Devils in January 2025. However, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer emphasized that past performances do not guarantee future success. “Every game is a new opportunity. We have to respect every opponent we face,” he stated.

Following the departure of head coach Jim Larrañaga in December, Miami has struggled to find cohesion on the court. The departure has left interim head coach Bill Courtney with the challenge of guiding a team that has shown vulnerability, especially in defense. Miami is currently ranked at No. 336 in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency, allowing an alarming average of 0.52 double-digit scoring runs per game.

Star guard Nigel Pack’s prolonged absence has also impacted Miami’s performance. Without his scoring prowess, the team’s three-point shooting has plummeted to just 31.9%. In contrast, senior guard Matthew Cleveland has emerged as a primary scorer, averaging 16.3 points per game with a shooting percentage of 50.7%. Even so, Cleveland struggled in the last meeting against Duke, posting only 2 points.

For Duke, the absence of forward Maliq Brown due to injury presents a challenge but also an opportunity for the development of freshman Khaman Ngongba. Ngongba has shown promise, particularly in a recent game where he logged a significant effective field goal percentage of 72.2% during his time on the floor. Duke will rely on him more heavily in the low post, especially given Miami’s current struggles amidst rising injuries.

Both teams’ coaching staffs recognize the magnitude of this game. Scheyer aims to bolster Duke’s offense to take advantage of Miami’s defensive vulnerabilities while Courtney seeks to spark his team’s revival with an upset against a top contender. The stage is set for Duke and Miami; the game will be crucial for both programs as they navigate the remaining critical weeks of their respective seasons.

The matchup will be broadcast live Tuesday at 8 PM ET, with fans keenly observing how the Blue Devils navigate their anticipated task while the Hurricanes hope to harness any potential for an upset.