It took Duke nearly 10 minutes to score 10 points against Cal as the Blue Devils had another slow start offensively. Once again Duke's defense was huge in keeping Duke ahead until the offense caught up. Vernon Carey Jr. caught up quickly. Vernon Carey Jr. scored 21 of his 31 points in the first half while grabbing 7 rebounds and blocking 2 shots in the half alone. Duke rode Carey to a 19 point lead at the break. Tre Jones added 6 assist to the first half cause as well as 8 points.
Duke continued their dominance on the defense end in the second half, holding the Bears to a season low 36% from the field.