Duke routs Coastal Carolina 113-52 in season opener

Patrick Ngongba II's exceptional performance led Duke to a commanding 113-52 victory over Coastal Carolina, leaving fans and analysts stunned by the sheer dominance.

Patrick Ngongba II Shines in Career Night

The 2026-2027 NCAA basketball season has just started, and No. 2 Duke has already made a statement with their lopsided win over Coastal Carolina. The game, which took place at the iconic Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, was a showcase of Duke's offensive prowess, with Patrick Ngongba II's career-high 28 points and nine rebounds being the standout performance. The Blue Devils' offense was unstoppable, scoring the game's first 16 points, which set the tone for the entire match.

Coastal Carolina Struggles to Find Their Footing

For Coastal Carolina, the game was a stark reminder of the challenges they face against top-tier programs. The Chanticleers struggled to keep pace with Duke's relentless offense, managing only 52 points by the final buzzer. The Blue Devils' defense was equally impressive, holding Coastal Carolina to just 27 rebounds, significantly outrebounding their opponents.

Ngongba's performance was highlighted by his ability to score from various positions on the court, showcasing his versatility and skill. His nine rebounds also played a crucial role in Duke's dominant performance, contributing to a 53-27 rebounding advantage over Coastal Carolina.

Duke's victory was also bolstered by the strong supporting cast, with Cayden Boozer contributing 12 assists. The Blue Devils' dominant performance was a testament to their depth and talent, with multiple players stepping up to secure the win.

Coastal Carolina, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, failing to capitalize on the few opportunities they had. Their inability to score consistently and defend against Duke's relentless attack was evident throughout the game. The Chanticleers' challenges were further compounded by Duke's aggressive defense, which limited their scoring opportunities and forced several turnovers.

The game's outcome was a clear indication of the disparity in talent and experience between the two teams, with Duke's depth and skill proving to be too much for Coastal Carolina to handle.

Coastal Carolina's struggles were evident from the start, with Duke's opening 16-0 run setting the tone for the rest of the game. The Chanticleers' inability to score early on allowed Duke to build a commanding lead, which they maintained throughout the match. Despite their best efforts, Coastal Carolina could not overcome Duke's dominant performance.

The victory was Duke's second of the regular season, improving their record to 2-0.

Think again if you thought this was going to be a close game.

Key Takeaways and What Lies Ahead

The lopsided victory over Coastal Carolina was a clear indication of Duke's potential for the upcoming season. "Patrick Ngongba II's performance was a standout, and his ability to score and rebound at a high level will be crucial for Duke's success this season,".

As Duke prepares for future challenges, their dominant performance against Coastal Carolina serves as a strong foundation for what lies ahead. With a talented roster and a proven coach, the Blue Devils are poised to make a significant impact in the NCAA this season.

Coastal Carolina, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address their weaknesses if they hope to compete at a higher level. Their performance against Duke highlighted the areas they need to improve, and they will need to work on their offensive and defensive strategies to be more competitive in future games.

Duke's dominant victory over Coastal Carolina was an impressive display of their strength and skill, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.