Amber Aniston • January 2, 2025

No. 14 Duke Secures Dominant 86-59 Victory Over Boston College

The No. 14 Duke Blue Devils delivered an impressive performance on Thursday night, defeating the Boston College Eagles 86-59 at Conte Forum in an ACC showdown. Led by a balanced offensive attack and stifling defense, Duke improved to 11-3 overall and 2-0 in conference play. Boston College dropped to 10-6 and 1-2 in the ACC after a frustrating evening against the relentless Blue Devils. 

 


Strong Start Sets the Tone 

Duke wasted no time asserting control, opening the game with a 12-4 run sparked by Reigan Richardson’s jumper just 21 seconds in. The Blue Devils shot 52% from the field throughout the game, showcasing efficiency and precision. Richardson, Ashlon Jackson, and Taina Mair led the charge offensively, each contributing 14 points. 


Boston College initially kept pace, cutting the deficit to 17-15 late in the first quarter. Dontavia Waggoner, who scored a season-high 20 points, provided early energy for the Eagles, scoring nine of their first 11 points. However, Duke responded with a six-point burst to end the quarter, entering the second period with a 23-17 lead. 

 


Defensive Masterclass in the Second Quarter 

The second quarter proved pivotal as Duke’s defense dominated, holding Boston College to just two points and 10% shooting from the field. The Blue Devils forced 15 turnovers in the first half, converting them into 19 points. Mair and Jackson spearheaded the defensive effort, combining for six steals. 


Duke reeled off 15 consecutive points in the quarter and outscored Boston College 19-2, tying a program record for fewest points allowed in a second quarter. By halftime, Duke had built a commanding 42-19 lead, effectively putting the game out of reach. 

 


Balanced Scoring and Depth 

The Blue Devils’ depth was on full display as five players scored in double figures. In addition to Richardson, Jackson, and Mair, Oluchi Okananwa added 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting, and Toby Fournier chipped in 11 points. Jadyn Donovan anchored the team’s rebounding efforts with 10 boards, including six on the offensive end, and added six points. 


Duke’s ability to share the ball and find high-percentage shots was evident, with 16 of their 33 field goals coming off assists. The Blue Devils’ offensive efficiency and defensive intensity highlighted their balanced approach to the game. 

 


Boston College’s Struggles 

The Eagles faced difficulties throughout the game, particularly in the second quarter when they went scoreless for over nine minutes. Despite Waggoner’s strong performance, Boston College’s supporting cast struggled. Andrea Daley, T’yana Todd, and Teya Sidberry, who entered the game averaging a combined 33.7 points, managed just 20 points on 7-of-25 shooting. 


Turnovers plagued the Eagles, who committed a season-high 29. Duke capitalized on these mistakes, scoring 22 points off turnovers and controlling the pace of the game. 

 


Key Statistics 

Duke’s efficiency on both ends of the floor was evident in the numbers. The Blue Devils shot 52% from the field, 50% from three-point range, and 76% from the free-throw line. Their defensive effort limited Boston College to 34% shooting, 16% from beyond the arc, and forced 29 turnovers. 


The Blue Devils also won the rebounding battle 37-32 and outscored the Eagles in the paint 36-22. These key advantages highlighted their dominance in all phases of the game. 

 


Looking Ahead 

With the victory, Duke continues its strong start to conference play and looks poised to contend for the ACC title. The Blue Devils will return home to Cameron Indoor Stadium to face Pittsburgh on Sunday in a matinee matchup. 


Boston College, on the other hand, will aim to regroup as they begin a three-game road trip. The Eagles will face No. 22 NC State in Raleigh on Sunday, looking to address their turnover issues and offensive struggles. 



A Statement Win 

Duke’s 86-59 win over Boston College reinforced their status as a top-tier team in the ACC. With a balanced offense, a stifling defense, and contributions from a deep roster, the Blue Devils demonstrated their ability to dominate on both ends of the court. 


For Boston College, the game provided a stark reminder of the challenges of ACC competition. As they move forward, the Eagles will need to find consistency and limit turnovers to stay competitive in the conference race. 

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