With a big matchup ahead for No. 2 Duke against a punchy Wake Forest squad, the Blue Zone is here with an overview, key stat, X-Factor and three keys to a Blue Devil victory against the Demon Deacons:
Overview
2023-24 record: 21-14, 11-9 in the ACC
2024-25 record: 15-4, 7-1 in the ACC
Head coach: Steve Forbes
Series history: Duke leads 96-46
Last meeting: 83-79, Wake Forest, Feb. 24, 2024
Duke hits the road to face off against Wake Forest in more ACC play as it looks to continue its 8-0 run. The Demon Deacons, currently 7-1 in conference play, promise to be formidable opponents. Fresh off an exhilarating one-point win against North Carolina Tuesday, Wake Forest brings fresh momentum and home-court advantage.
To add to its boost in record, the Demon Deacons have had strong showings this season with consistent performances from key players and a deep roster that excels on both ends of the court. With the ability to close out tight games — like the recent win against the Tar Heels — and a consistent win streak dating back to Dec. 31, Wake Forest is on a roll.
The Blue Devils suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Demon Deacons in the 2023-24 season, a game that ended in dramatic fashion with Wake Forest fans storming the court after a narrow 83-79 victory. Last year, however, Duke did not have the services of star freshman Cooper Flagg. This year is different. Flagg, widely regarded as one of the top talents in college basketball, has brought a new level of dominance to the Blue Devils with his scoring, defense and court vision, making Duke a true powerhouse opponent in this rematch.
This matchup not only pits two of the ACC's top teams against each other but also offers a chance for Wake Forest to further establish itself as a contender for the conference title. With the Blue Devils on an 8-0 run, this game promises to be an intense battle between two of North Carolina’s best basketball programs. -Callan Perchinsky
Key stat
Wake Forest and Duke’s defensive prowess will be a factor of gridlock within the paint in this weekend's game. Wake Forest, riding a six-game win streak, showcased its defensive strength in a recent win over North Carolina, starting with a 6-0 run that forced a four-minute scoring drought for the Tar Heels. In a tight game, the Demon Deacons held their lead by excelling offensively with a 7-0 run late. In those crucial last few minutes of the game, Wake Forest showcased its ability to excel defensively and hold a lead under the pressure of the clock. Similarly, Duke is entering this weekend’s game with strong defensive skills that can match Wake Forest’s recent performance. Duke has also faced teams that excelled defensively, such as No. 1 Auburn, and handled business against difficult groups. As Wake Forest looks to extend its ongoing win streak to seven and Duke seeks to remain undefeated in conference play, the defensive battle will be a key factor this weekend. -Ava Guglielmo
X-Factor
Duke: Isaiah Evans
Duke’s most recent clash with Wake Forest ended in a tough road loss. As it prepares for another trip to the Demon Deacons’ home turf, the performance of new roster additions could be the defining factor for a Blue Devil victory. Although freshman sensation Cooper Flagg is expected to have a standout performance, 6-foot-6 Evans could provide the extra push needed to overcome the Tobacco Road rival.
Wearing No. 3 on his Duke jersey, Evans’ number took on a whole new meaning after the Auburn game. Executing six three-pointers to score a career-high 18 points, his rhythm and precision allowed No. 9 Duke to upset No. 2 Auburn. Most recently at Boston College, the Huntersville, N.C., native executed a performance reminiscent of his Auburn takedown, clinching 16 points. With the second-highest 3-point percentage on the team, his 45.7% efficiency has established him as one of Duke's most dependable threats from beyond the arc.
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As Evans heads to his first true North Carolina rivalry game, he could become the critical factor to stop any chance of Wake Forest gaining another win on its home court. If he can maintain his efficiency and continue to thrive under pressure, his shooting could tilt the game in Duke’s favor, energizing his team and building the momentum needed for a win. Ultimately, Evans’ contribution could be the difference between another disappointing loss to a rival or a redemption that could signal an ACC sweep.
Wake Forest: Hunter Sallis
The senior Demon Deacon has had his share of North Carolina rivalry games. Sallis experienced the intensity of this legendary matchup for the first time as a Wake Forest player, quickly learning what it means to compete in one of college basketball's most heated rivalries. With Duke headed to Winston-Salem, N.C., he has one last shot to defend his home court.
In the rival's last matchup, Sallis was undoubtedly the difference-maker who allowed Wake Forest to secure a home win. Leading the team with 29 points, he helped an unranked Wake Forest take down No. 8 Duke — a testament to the noting that ranks truly don’t matter when it comes to rivals. This season he’s continued to be a top scorer, sitting on top of the stat sheet with an average of 19.2 points a game. Facing another Carolina rival in his most recent game, Sallis was a critical player that took down North Carolina, contributing 14 points and nine rebounds. His dynamic ability across the court makes him a threat to any team, especially on home court. So as No. 2 Duke gets ready to face the Demon Deacons, Sallis’ loyalty to his team and strength as a high-point shooter could end the Blue Devils’ current streak and ensure that his home record against Duke stays victorious. -Lucy Glynn
3 keys
Silence the crowd: Although it is a quick trip over to Winston-Salem, N.C., for Duke, it’s usually not an easy one. The atmosphere inside LJVM Coliseum is electric, especially when the Blue Devils are in town. On the road against Arizona earlier this season, Duke successfully neutralized the opposition’s home court advantage by building a solid lead before halftime and never giving the Wildcats a chance to come back. If the Blue Devils follow the same formula this weekend, it could be a similar story of victory for the visitors.
Disciplined defense: The matchup between Duke and Wake Forest is sure to be a defensive affair. The Blue Devils enter Winston-Salem with the best defense in the ACC, allowing only 59.5 points per game. They should be able to shut down the opposing offense with relative ease, despite missing defensive stalwart Maliq Brown. With the third-best defense in the ACC and a favorable crowd behind them, the Demon Deacons may pose problems for the Duke offense too. As the teams trade blows, the squad which plays better defense down the stretch will put itself in the best position to emerge with a crucial win in conference play.
Everyone eats: Duke’s last three games have been displays of individual excellence, with one player’s outstanding performance clearly headlining the matchup. While Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel have repeatedly shown their ability to take over a game on any given night, it is important that head coach Jon Scheyer can count on other players for scoring output as well. Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster in particular should view this matchup as an opportunity to light up the scoresheet, as Wake Forest focuses on shutting down the Blue Devils’ star freshmen. If Duke can reliably count on buckets from a wider range of players, it should be able to cruise to victory, even against a solid Demon Deacons squad. -Ben Curtis