Duke shines in key focus area as Jon Scheyer’s emphasis pays off against Cal

Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer had plenty to smile about after his team delivered an authoritative performance against the California Golden Bears, executing perfectly on what he has identified as his program’s top priority.

The matchup took place late at night for fans on the East Coast, with Duke making the long trip west to face Cal in Berkeley. Despite the cross-country travel and unfamiliar environment, the Blue Devils showed little sign of fatigue or discomfort. From the opening minutes through the final buzzer, Duke controlled the flow of the game and ultimately walked away with a convincing 71–56 victory.

Cameron Boozer, Duke v California | Thearon W. Henderson/GettyImages

The win was another step forward for a Duke team that continues to grow under Scheyer, and it was especially satisfying for the second-year head coach because it reflected clear progress in an area he has repeatedly stressed throughout the season.

After the game, Scheyer did not hesitate to praise his players during his postgame media availability. While there were strong individual efforts and stretches of efficient offense, the head coach made it clear that one element stood above the rest in his assessment of the night’s performance.

For Scheyer, Duke’s defensive execution was the defining feature of the win.

“I thought our guys did a really good job on defense,” Scheyer explained. “That’s been the point of emphasis for us. How to sustain the defensive intensity, the defensive awareness you need.”

That focus on sustained defensive pressure was evident throughout the contest. Even with the Golden Bears playing at home and attempting to feed off their crowd, Duke never allowed Cal to settle into a comfortable rhythm. The Blue Devils consistently contested shots, cut off driving lanes, and forced Cal into rushed decisions.

Scheyer acknowledged before the game that Cal presented a real challenge, particularly because of its quick, aggressive guards who can create problems for opposing defenses. However, Duke responded exactly the way its coach hoped.

“It was a great thing for our program, a great test,” Scheyer said. “They have really dynamic guards, and offensively, they really scare you.”

While Cal’s guards entered the game with a reputation for being dangerous scorers and playmakers, Duke neutralized that threat almost entirely. The Golden Bears struggled to find clean looks, especially after halftime, as Duke tightened its defensive rotations and communication.

The numbers tell a clear story of Duke’s dominance on that end of the floor. Cal finished the game shooting just 37 percent from the field and an even more troubling 22 percent from three-point range. In the second half alone, the Golden Bears managed only 26 points, highlighting Duke’s ability to make in-game adjustments and elevate its defensive focus as the contest progressed.

The Blue Devils were also active and disruptive, forcing 11 turnovers while recording five steals and five blocks. Those defensive plays not only prevented Cal from scoring but also helped Duke control tempo and limit momentum swings.

While Duke’s defense stood out as the main reason for the victory, the performance was not entirely without flaws. Once again, free-throw shooting emerged as a concern. The Blue Devils converted just 8 of their 17 attempts from the line, finishing at 47 percent — a figure that Scheyer knows will not be sustainable against stronger opponents.

Ironically, Cal, despite struggling from the field, was far more efficient at the free-throw line, making 13 of 17 attempts for a solid 76 percent. On a night when Duke’s defense was not as suffocating, that disparity could have become a much bigger issue.

Still, the overall takeaway from the game was overwhelmingly positive for Duke and its coaching staff. The Blue Devils proved they could bring energy, focus, and defensive discipline even in a challenging road environment thousands of miles from home.

Scheyer’s emphasis on defense is clearly beginning to resonate with his players. They are not only understanding the importance of effort and awareness on that side of the ball but are also learning how to maintain it for a full 40 minutes.

As Duke prepares for its next stretch of games, the blueprint from the Cal win is clear. If the Blue Devils continue to defend at this level while cleaning up details such as free-throw shooting, they will put themselves in a strong position moving forward in ACC play.

For now, Scheyer can take satisfaction in seeing his team respond to his message. Against Cal, Duke didn’t just win — it did so by fully embracing the identity its head coach is trying to build.