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No. 5 Duke Hosts George Mason, Looks to Extend Win Streak
No. 5 Duke aims to keep its momentum rolling as it welcomes George Mason to Cameron Indoor Stadium on Tuesday night. Both teams are riding win streaks and come into the matchup well-rested after extended breaks. For Duke, it’s another opportunity to showcase its depth and talent, while George Mason looks to test itself against one of the nation’s best.
Duke: Depth and Freshman Impact
Duke (8-2) enters the game on a four-game winning streak, bolstered by a dominant defense and standout performances from its deep roster. After a week off for final exams, the Blue Devils are rested and ready to build on their 72-46 win over Incarnate Word last Tuesday.
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In that game, freshman big man Khaman Maluach stole the spotlight, scoring a season-high 17 points and grabbing seven rebounds. The 7-foot-2 South Sudan native flashed his ability to finish at the rim, catching lobs for two thunderous dunks that sparked Duke’s decisive second-half run.
Maluach, who came to Duke via the NBA Academy Africa, credited his teammates for finding him in good spots:
“I was good on the offensive side, but credit to my teammates who passed me the ball when I was open,” Maluach said. “I did my job. I’m not doing anything different. I’m doing what I do each and every day.”
Head coach Jon Scheyer was pleased with Maluach’s performance, particularly his energy and toughness on the boards.
“We wanted to give him a look, just to play him through fatigue,” Scheyer said. “He was terrific. I loved his rebounding, his activity, and he’s tough.”
While preseason All-American Cooper Flagg had an off night offensively (six points), he remained a factor with his effort on the glass, tying Maluach with a team-high eight rebounds.
The Blue Devils have been relentless on defense this season, allowing just 59.9 points per game (11th nationally). Their ability to control the paint and rebound effectively—winning or tying the rebounding battle in eight of 10 games—has been a cornerstone of their success.
George Mason: Defense and Resilience
George Mason (7-3) comes into Durham on a five-game winning streak after a gritty 76-64 victory over Tulane on Dec. 7. The Patriots have turned their season around following a rocky 2-3 start, earning praise from head coach Tony Skinn for their unity and determination.
“There was a point in time early in the season where if they didn’t stick together, we could’ve really been divided,” Skinn said. “For these guys to respond by winning five in a row, I’m proud of them.”
George Mason’s strength lies in its defense, which ranks 22nd nationally by allowing just 63.1 points per game. Against Tulane, the Patriots set the tone early, holding the Green Wave to just 34.6 percent shooting in the first half.
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Offensively, Darius Maddox and Brayden O’Connor lead the charge. Both scored 17 points in the Tulane win, providing consistency and poise for a team that prides itself on hard-nosed play.
Key Matchup: Maluach vs. George Mason’s Defense
Tuesday’s game is shaping up to be a defensive battle between two disciplined teams. Duke’s size, led by Maluach and his 7-foot-5 wingspan, will test George Mason’s ability to protect the paint and rebound effectively. The Patriots’ defensive focus will be on slowing Maluach and preventing second-chance opportunities, a key strength for Duke.
At the same time, Duke must be wary of Maddox and O’Connor, who can capitalize if the Blue Devils’ defense lapses.
What’s at Stake
For Duke, a win would extend its streak to five games and keep its momentum intact ahead of tougher tests. The Blue Devils are dominant at home under Jon Scheyer, boasting a 37-3 record at Cameron Indoor Stadium since he took over. Maintaining focus against a determined George Mason squad will be critical.
For George Mason, this game is an opportunity to measure itself against elite competition and prove that its recent surge is no fluke. A competitive showing in Durham would boost the Patriots’ confidence as they approach Atlantic 10 play.
The Bottom Line
With two top-25 defenses squaring off, points will likely be at a premium. Duke’s depth, size, and defensive prowess make the Blue Devils the clear favorite, but George Mason’s toughness and improved play will challenge them to stay sharp.
Can Khaman Maluach build on his breakout performance and lead Duke to another dominant win, or will George Mason’s defense disrupt the Blue Devils and make this a closer battle than expected? The answer lies in how well Duke handles its role as the favorite against a scrappy, resilient opponent.
