Three Biggest Takeaways from Duke's Win Over Texas

With the Blue Devils earning a win in their season opener, here are some reactions and takeaways from Tuesday night's performance.

Duke basketball coach Jon Scheyer during the college basketball exhibition game against Tennessee on October 26, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. | Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Duke Blue Devils opened their season against the Texas Longhorns in the Dick Vitale Invitational on Tuesday night.

It was a mixed-bag performance by the Blue Devils, as the offense struggled for extended stretches. Nevertheless, Duke came away with a 75-60 victory over the Longhorns, with a strong second half, which consisted of an overwhelming number of free throw attempts.

Nov 4, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer watches the play against the Texas Longhorns during the first half of the Dick Vitale’s Invitational game at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images | Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images

With all that being said, here are the main takeaways from the Blue Devils win on Tuesday night.

Cameron Boozer Underwhelms

Nov 4, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) battles for position against Texas Longhorns forward Nic Codie (10) during the first quarter at the Dick Vitale’s Invitational game at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images | Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images

Despite the anticipation around Vital's return to the commentary table and Duke's top recruiting class this offseason, the game did not live up to the hype.

That began with Boozer, who did not record a single shot made in the first half, shooting 0-7 from the field and 0-3 from beyond the arc.

The freshman forward utilized his physicality and strength to orchestrate easy looks at the rim and draw fouls, getting to the free-throw line at will, but outside of that, he was majorly disappointing.

Nov 4, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) goes for a lay up against the Texas Longhorns during the first half of the Dick Vitale’s Invitational game at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images | Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images

Boozer finished with 15 points and 13 rebounds, but he shot 3-of-12 from the field and 0-of-4 from three-point range. He lived at the free throw line, as mentioned, hitting 9-of-12 attempts.

Isaiah Evans was the Player of the Game

Nov 4, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Isaiah Evans (3) makes a jump while Texas Longhorns guard Chendall Weaver (2) attempts to block during the second half of the Dick Vitale’s Invitational game at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images | Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images

Without Evans, who knows how close this game would have been at halftime? The sophomore guard scored 15 points in the first half, and he only missed two shots during that timeframe.

Despite that, Texas led Duke 33-32 at halftime, which would have been a larger margin if it weren't for Evans' hot start from the field.

Evans finished the game with 23 points, shooting 7-for-13 from the field and 4-of-8 from beyond the arc.

Texas' Physicality was an Issue for Duke

Nov 4, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Dame Sarr (7) fights for the ball against Texas Longhorns forward Lassina Traore (23) during the second half of the Dick Vitale’s Invitational game at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images | Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images

The only reason the Longhorns were able to stick around and compete in this game was because of their ability to rebound and create second-chance points.

This was especially the case in the first half when Texas outrebounded Duke 25-11, which included 12 offensive rebounds. Offensively, the Longhorns were in disarray, shooting 33.3% from the field and committing 12 turnovers in the first 20 minutes.

Nov 4, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Caleb Foster (1) shoots for a basket with Texas Longhorns forward Lassina Traore (23) defending during the second half of the Dick Vitale’s Invitational game at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images | Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images

Duke turned things around in that department, outrebounding Texas 21-13 in the second half, which allowed the Blue Devils to build a substantial lead and coast to victory.

It was a good learning experience for a young team, but Duke is going to face much more physical and talented teams than Texas this season.

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