DURHAM, N.C. (Interstat) — In a game defined by runs and resilience, the Duke Blue Devils weathered a potent offensive assault from SMU’s backcourt and leveraged a decisive advantage at the free-throw line to secure an 82-75 victory in an Atlantic Coast Conference men’s basketball game Saturday before a sellout crowd of 9,314 at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

The most important part of the contest was Duke’s unflappable response to SMU’s early offensive explosion and its subsequent ability to control the game’s tempo and capitalize on Mustang mistakes. SMU, behind the electric play of guard BJ Edwards, raced to a stunning 13-0 lead in the opening three minutes, silencing the famed Cameron Crazies. Edwards scored seven points during the burst, including a three-pointer, and center Jaden Toombs added a three-point play.

Duke, however, did not panic. The Blue Devils chipped away with defense and discipline, embarking on a 24-4 run over a nine-minute span to seize a 24-17 lead. The turnaround was fueled by defensive pressure that forced 10 first-half SMU turnovers, which Duke converted into 12 points. Isaiah Evans and Patrick Ngongba provided critical scoring during the surge, with Evans hitting a three-pointer and Ngongba working effectively inside.

The game settled into a tense, back-and-forth affair from there. SMU’s offensive efficiency, particularly from Edwards and Toombs, kept them within striking distance. The Mustangs shot a blistering 56.6 percent from the field for the game. Yet, Duke’s multifaceted attack and ability to draw fouls proved the difference. While SMU attempted only nine free throws, making eight, Duke paraded to the line 27 times, converting 21. That 13-point disparity at the charity stripe ultimately provided the winning margin in a tight contest.

Duke forward Cameron Boozer, the team’s top star, led a balanced effort with 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists. His steady play in the paint and from the perimeter was instrumental, especially during Duke’s key runs. Evans provided a game-high 21 points, including three three-pointers, and Ngongba added 17 points and five rebounds. Cayden Boozer facilitated the offense with 12 points and four assists.

SMU was carried by the spectacular duo of Edwards and Toombs. Edwards, a guard from Knoxville, Tennessee, filled the stat sheet with 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists in 37 minutes. Toombs, the center from Amarillo, Texas, was a force inside, scoring a team-high 23 points on efficient 10-of-14 shooting and grabbing seven rebounds. Their efforts were not enough to overcome Duke’s depth and poise, as the Mustangs committed 19 turnovers leading to 18 Duke points.

The Blue Devils maintained a slim but persistent lead throughout the second half, with SMU never able to tie or regain the advantage. Every Mustang push was answered. When Corey Washington’s three-pointer pulled SMU within 78-75 with 31 seconds remaining, Duke closed the game at the line. Evans and Cameron Boozer combined to make four consecutive free throws in the final 20 seconds to seal the victory.

Duke improved to 15-1 overall and 3-0 in the ACC, continuing its strong start to conference play. SMU, in its first season as an ACC member, fell to 12-4 and 1-2 in the league. The Mustangs have shown competitive fire in early conference tests, including a win over North Carolina, but were unable to complete the upset in one of college basketball’s most hostile environments.

National statistical models heavily favored Duke pregame, projecting a win probability over 95 percent with an 11.5-point spread. The combined score of 157 points fell just under the betting over/under line of 156.5.

Duke next travels to California on Wednesday, Jan. 14, while SMU returns home to host Virginia Tech the same night.