GREENVILLE, S.C. (Interstat) — In a display of depth and defensive dominance, the Duke Blue Devils methodically dismantled the Texas Christian Horned Frogs, 81-58, in a men’s NCAA Division I playoff game Saturday at Bi-Lo Center.

The victory, Duke’s fifth consecutive, advances the Blue Devils in the postseason bracket and improves their record to 34-2. Texas Christian’s season concludes at 23-12.

From the opening tip, the game was characterized by a stark contrast in offensive execution and defensive pressure. While the Horned Frogs managed to stay within striking distance for much of the first half, trailing just 38-34 at the break, the second half unveiled a decisive and overwhelming Duke performance. The Blue Devils outscored TCU 43-24 after halftime, turning a competitive contest into a lopsided affair.

The most important segment of the game was a devastating 17-2 run by Duke that spanned the end of the first half and the beginning of the second, effectively putting the game out of reach. After TCU’s Micah Robinson hit a 3-pointer to pull the Horned Frogs within 34-33 with just over a minute left in the first period, Duke closed the half with four consecutive points from the free-throw line, two by Maliq Brown and two by Dame Sarr. That momentum carried into the second half, where the Blue Devils’ defense completely stifled TCU. The Horned Frogs opened the second period with a scoring drought, missing their first seven field goal attempts and committing three turnovers before finally scoring on a Vianney Salatchoum dunk more than four minutes in. By that time, Duke had extended its lead to 42-36, and the Horned Frogs never recovered, as the Blue Devils’ advantage ballooned to 23 points.

Duke’s victory was a collective effort, led by its star forward Cameron Boozer. The 6-foot-9 sophomore from Miami, Florida, scored 19 points, showcasing his efficiency and versatility. He was complemented by a balanced offensive attack that saw four other Blue Devils score in double figures. Isaiah Evans, a 6-foot-6 guard from Fayetteville, North Carolina, added 17 points. Sarr, the 6-foot-8 forward from Oderzo, Italy, contributed 14 points and was a disruptive force defensively. Brown, a 6-foot-9 forward from Culpeper, Virginia, provided a strong interior presence with 12 points, and point guard Cayden Boozer, Cameron’s brother, orchestrated the offense with 9 points and 5 assists.

Texas Christian struggled to find consistent offense against Duke’s formidable defense. Robinson, a 6-foot-6 guard from Kansas City, Missouri, led the Horned Frogs with 18 points, but much of his production came in the first half. Forward Xavier Edmonds, a 6-foot-8 sophomore from Long Beach, California, was the only other TCU player in double figures with 12 points. The Horned Frogs’ primary ball-handler, Brock Harding, was held to 8 points and was harassed into four turnovers by Duke’s perimeter pressure.

The game’s statistical profile underscored Duke’s control. The Blue Devils shot a superior percentage from the floor, from 3-point range, and from the free-throw line compared to Texas Christian. Duke also capitalized on TCU’s mistakes, converting turnovers into points while limiting its own miscues. The final margin aligned with pregame expectations, as Duke entered as a significant favorite and the combined score of 139 surpassed the projected total.

The outcome continued a pattern of postseason success for Duke and marked the end of a resilient campaign for Texas Christian, which had secured a dramatic win over Ohio State just days earlier. For the Blue Devils, the comprehensive performance served as a statement of intent as they progress deeper into the playoff bracket, leveraging a deep, talented roster and a stifling defense to overwhelm their opponent.