For one half, Texas went toe to toe with one of college basketball’s best. But a dominant second half from Cameron Boozer, the twin brother of Cayden Boozer featured in this Sporting News story by Billy Heyen on Duke’s evolving offense, and Isaiah Evans powered No. 6 Duke past the Longhorns 75–60 on Tuesday night in the Dick Vitale Invitational.
Evans scored 23 points, knocking down four 3-pointers in the first half, while Boozer overcame a slow start to finish with 15 points, 13 rebounds and three steals. The win extended Duke’s perfect record against Texas to 6–0 all-time.
Making his debut as Texas head coach, Sean Miller watched his team build a 33–32 halftime lead behind strong defense and efficient scoring from Xavier transfer Dailyn Swain. Read more here about Swain’s background and early impact. The sophomore forward tallied 16 points, while guards Jordan Pope and Matas Vokietaitis each added 15.
The Longhorns held Boozer scoreless before halftime, limiting the freshman phenom to 0-of-7 shooting. But Duke’s top recruit came alive after the break, scoring nine points from the foul line and sparking an 8–0 run to open the second half. His energy flipped momentum as Duke outscored Texas 43–27 in the final 20 minutes.
Patrick Ngongba II added 10 points and eight rebounds for the Blue Devils, who forced 16 turnovers and held Texas to just 32% shooting. Duke also controlled the boards 42–30, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities while tightening its perimeter defense.
Texas trimmed the deficit to 51–48 midway through the second half after consecutive threes from Pope, but Duke quickly responded. A flagrant foul on Texas forward Lassina Traore led to free throws and a possession that extended the Blue Devils’ lead to double digits, sealing the outcome.
The night also featured an emotional pregame tribute to legendary broadcaster Dick Vitale, who was honored with a video narrated by former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski celebrating his career and cancer-fighting advocacy.
Despite the loss, Texas showed flashes of potential in Miller’s first game, especially from Swain and Pope in the backcourt. The Longhorns (0–1) return to Austin on Saturday to host Lafayette, while Duke (1–0) plays Western Carolina at home.
