Duke Blue Devils dominate Syracuse 83-54, with five players in double figures, extending their winning streak in impressive fashion.

The Duke Blue Devils, under head coach Jon Scheyer, continued their dominance in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) with an 83-54 blowout victory over the Syracuse Orange on February 5, 2025. This commanding win not only showcased the team’s depth and versatility but also extended their current winning streak, putting them firmly in the conversation for a top-tier seed as the postseason looms closer.

The game was a statement win for Duke, as they played a well-rounded, team-oriented brand of basketball that left no doubt in the minds of their fans or the rest of the college basketball world. The victory demonstrated that Duke’s depth and cohesion were on full display, with five players finishing in double figures and an impressive balance between scoring, rebounding, and defense. It was a performance that will certainly be remembered as the Blue Devils continue to build momentum heading into March Madness.

This article takes an in-depth look at how Duke managed to overpower Syracuse, the key contributors to the victory, and what it all means for the Blue Devils as they look ahead to the remainder of their season.

Duke’s Impressive Team Play

One of the most striking features of Duke’s victory over Syracuse was the team’s commitment to unselfish basketball. It wasn’t just one player who carried the load for Duke; instead, it was a collective effort that saw multiple players step up in different ways. The Blue Devils’ ability to share the basketball and generate open shots allowed them to find success on both sides of the ball.

The game saw five Duke players finishing in double figures, with Tyrese Proctor, Mark Mitchell, Jeremy Roach, Dereck Lively II, and Kyle Filipowski all contributing in significant ways. This balance is something that Duke has continued to embrace this season, and it makes them incredibly difficult to defend. Syracuse, despite their storied zone defense, couldn’t stop the wave of Blue Devils that kept coming at them from all directions.

Key Contributions: Tyrese Proctor Leads the Charge

Freshman guard Tyrese Proctor was one of the standout performers of the game, leading the charge with 21 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds. His performance was a microcosm of Duke’s team-oriented success — he was active in all facets of the game, making key plays both offensively and defensively.

Proctor’s ability to create for others was crucial to breaking down Syracuse’s zone defense. With his vision and ball-handling ability, he consistently found open teammates on the perimeter and inside, keeping the Orange’s defense on its heels. His knack for getting to the basket and finishing with composure allowed Duke to maintain offensive fluidity, even when Syracuse tried to slow the tempo.

But Proctor didn’t just facilitate for others — he also made his mark as a scorer. His 21-point performance was marked by a combination of three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and timely drives to the basket. Proctor’s composure and maturity for a freshman were evident in how he handled the pressure of leading Duke’s offense.

Mark Mitchell and Jeremy Roach: Consistency on Both Ends

Mark Mitchell and Jeremy Roach have been two of the most consistent players for Duke throughout the season, and they continued that trend against Syracuse. Mitchell finished with 12 points and contributed heavily on the defensive side of the ball. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and attack the basket when needed allowed Duke to maintain a balanced offensive attack.

Mitchell’s defense was also key to the Blue Devils’ success. As one of Duke’s best perimeter defenders, he was tasked with slowing down Syracuse’s shooters and making life difficult for their guards. His size, athleticism, and awareness allowed him to be a key disruptor on the defensive end, helping Duke limit Syracuse’s offensive flow.

Roach, Duke’s experienced senior guard, was another key figure in the team’s win, finishing with 10 points, 6 assists, and 3 rebounds. Roach’s leadership and poise on the floor have been invaluable throughout the season, and he once again showed why he is considered one of the top point guards in college basketball. Roach’s ability to orchestrate Duke’s offense, manage tempo, and hit key shots when needed has been crucial in helping the Blue Devils stay competitive.

Dereck Lively II and Kyle Filipowski: Dominating the Paint

While Duke’s backcourt players were leading the charge offensively, the Blue Devils’ frontcourt players, Dereck Lively II and Kyle Filipowski, were just as instrumental in the victory. Lively, known for his shot-blocking prowess and rim protection, was a constant presence on both ends of the floor, finishing with 6 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Lively’s length and athleticism made it difficult for Syracuse to get easy looks in the paint, and his rebounding efforts helped Duke dominate on the glass.

Lively’s ability to protect the rim was a major factor in limiting Syracuse’s second-chance opportunities and forcing them into difficult shots. His presence in the paint allowed the guards to pressure the Syracuse ball handlers more aggressively, knowing that Lively would be there to clean up any missed shots.

Filipowski, who has been one of the most consistent players for Duke this season, contributed 15 points and 6 rebounds in the win. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting while also being a dominant presence in the post has made him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. Filipowski’s rebounding and defense were crucial in giving Duke control of the boards and ensuring that Syracuse couldn’t generate extra possessions.

The duo of Lively and Filipowski gives Duke an inside presence that few teams in the country can match. Whether it’s blocking shots, grabbing rebounds, or scoring in the post, these two provide Duke with a solid foundation on which the rest of the team can build.

Syracuse’s Struggles Against Duke’s Pressure Defense

Syracuse came into this game with a reputation for their 2-3 zone defense, a hallmark of Jim Boeheim’s coaching philosophy. However, Duke’s offensive execution proved to be too much for the zone defense to handle. Duke’s crisp ball movement, unselfish play, and ability to shoot from all areas of the court made it difficult for Syracuse to establish the kind of defensive pressure they typically rely on.

The Blue Devils were able to break the zone by spreading the floor and using their big men to set screens, freeing up space for shooters and cutters. With five players in double figures, Syracuse had no answer for the offensive firepower that Duke brought to the table.

On the defensive end, Duke was just as dominant. They forced Syracuse into 21 turnovers and held them to just 35% shooting from the field. The Blue Devils’ ability to apply pressure on the ball, force turnovers, and disrupt Syracuse’s offensive flow played a key role in the blowout victory. Duke’s defensive intensity was relentless, as they swarmed Syracuse’s ball handlers and made it difficult for them to get into any offensive rhythm.

Duke’s Winning Streak: What It Means for the Team

With this victory over Syracuse, Duke extended their winning streak to eight games, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the ACC. The Blue Devils have now won eight straight games, a stretch that has included victories over several ranked opponents, demonstrating their ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.

This winning streak has been fueled by Duke’s depth, versatility, and strong team play. The Blue Devils have managed to find different ways to win, whether it’s through dominant defensive performances, fast breaks, or simply wearing opponents down with their size and depth. The key to their success has been the team’s unselfish play and commitment to a balanced approach on both ends of the floor.

As the regular season enters its final stretch, Duke is firmly in the hunt for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. With their current form, the Blue Devils have the potential to make a deep run and contend for a national championship. However, they will need to continue playing with the same intensity, focus, and execution that has propelled them to this point.

What’s Next for Duke?

Looking ahead, Duke will face some of their toughest competition of the season in the coming weeks, including matchups against Virginia, Miami, and North Carolina. These games will be crucial in determining Duke’s positioning in the ACC standings and their seeding for the NCAA Tournament.

The Blue Devils will need to remain healthy and continue their strong play to keep their momentum going. The return of Kyle Filipowski, after dealing with minor injury concerns, will be pivotal for Duke as they prepare for the postseason. His presence in the frontcourt, along with the continued development of Tyrese Proctor, Mark Mitchell, and Jeremy Roach, will be essential for Duke’s chances at an ACC Championship and a deep run in March Madness.

Conclusion

The Duke Blue Devils’ 83-54 victory over Syracuse was a dominant performance that highlighted their offensive depth, defensive tenacity, and overall team chemistry. With five players in double figures and a balanced approach to both offense and defense, Duke was simply too much for the Orange to handle.

As Duke continues their winning streak, they remain one of the most well-rounded teams in college basketball. With their talent, depth, and ability to adapt to different styles of play, the Blue Devils are poised to make a serious run in both the ACC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. The road ahead is filled with challenges, but if Duke can maintain their current level of play, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the postseason.