On Saturday afternoon, the Duke Blue Devils showcased their offensive prowess and defensive might in a home game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The No. 4-ranked Blue Devils (13-2, 5-0 ACC) quickly established dominance, jumping to an 11-0 lead before the first media timeout. Despite facing challenges, including the early exit of key player Maliq Brown, Duke maintained a strong presence on the court. By halftime, Notre Dame had managed to close the gap to eight points, but Duke continued to hold the upper hand. With just over seven minutes left in the game, Duke was leading by 14 points, demonstrating their resilience and adaptability.

The game began with an explosive start from the Blue Devils. Their sharpshooting trio hit three crucial three-pointers, while their trademark defensive intensity stifled Notre Dame's offense. This combination allowed Duke to build an immediate 11-0 advantage, forcing Notre Dame coach Micah Shrewsberry to call for a timeout. Initially, it seemed as though this pause would help stabilize the Fighting Irish, who gradually found their rhythm and narrowed the deficit to eight points by halftime. However, Duke's depth and versatility ensured they remained in control throughout the contest.

A notable setback for Duke came when junior forward Maliq Brown exited the game after just one minute due to a knee collision with teammate Mason Gillis. Brown, known for his defensive contributions, averaging a team-high 3.3 steals per 40 minutes since transferring from Syracuse, was ruled out for precautionary reasons. Despite his absence, the Blue Devils did not falter. Brown was seen walking without any visible limp during the second half, signaling that the injury may not be severe. His previous absence, due to a toe injury, occurred in December, further highlighting the importance of his role on the team.

As the game progressed, Duke's ability to adjust and respond to Notre Dame's comeback attempts proved decisive. The Blue Devils' bench stepped up admirably in the absence of Brown, maintaining both offensive efficiency and defensive pressure. By the time the final whistle blew, Duke had solidified their position as one of the top teams in the ACC, with a commanding lead over Notre Dame. The performance underscored Duke's depth and resilience, even when faced with unexpected challenges.