Game Preview: Duke vs. Army

Monday, Nov. 2, 2026 • 6:30 p.m. ET
Cameron Indoor Stadium (9,314) • Durham, N.C.
TV:  ESPNU
Radio: Blue Devil Sports Network from LEARFIELD

Duke opens its 122nd season of men’s basketball on Monday, Nov. 2, welcoming Army West Point to Cameron Indoor Stadium in what will be the earliest season opener in program history.

The No. 2 Blue Devils enter the matchup having won 26 consecutive season openers and 44 straight home openers, while holding a 14-3 advantage in the all-time series with Army, including 10 consecutive victories since the series resumed in 1996.

Jon Scheyer begins his fifth season as head coach and 14th season on the Duke coaching staff, having already established himself as one of the most successful young coaches in college basketball. His 124 victories and 25 wins over AP-ranked opponents are the most by any Division I coach through their first four seasons. Duke has also been nearly unbeatable at Cameron Indoor Stadium under Scheyer, posting a 63-3 record (.955), including three undefeated home campaigns. The Blue Devils have won 32 consecutive games at Cameron, extending a remarkable home-court tradition that includes 44 straight victories in home openers.

Duke is coming off another historic season in 2025-26, finishing 35-3 while capturing both the ACC regular-season and tournament championships and making its 26th Elite Eight appearance. The program’s 70 victories over the last two seasons represent the best two-year stretch in school history, and Duke is the only team in the country to reach 70 wins during that span. The Blue Devils return four of their top six scorers in Patrick Ngongba II, Caleb Foster, Cayden Boozer, and Dame Sarr, providing a strong foundation for another championship push. The schedule will offer plenty of challenges, with 10 games against nine preseason AP Top 20 opponents, including four teams ranked in the top six.

Army Black Knights: 2025–26 season recap

Army finished the 2025–26 season 11–21 overall and 5–13 in Patriot League play, placing ninth in the conference. The Black Knights averaged 72.2 points per game but allowed 77.2 and struggled to find consistent results against conference opponents. Guard Ryan Curry led the team at 13.3 points and 4.5 assists per game, while Jaxson Bell averaged 12.2 points and five rebounds and forward Jacen Holloway added 10.8 points per game. Army did, however, earn two victories over Lehigh, which went on to win the Patriot League tournament.

New additions and roster changes for 2026–27

Army’s biggest challenge is replacing production from its departing players while developing a young roster. The Black Knights lost Bell, their second-leading scorer, along with reserve forward Joshua Eli and guard Jackson Furman, who transferred to Southeastern Louisiana. Eli is now at Western Michigan.

The incoming freshman class features Deke Cooper Jr. (6’6 guard), Henry Rasmussen (6-foot-8 forward), Patrick McDonough (6’0 guard), and Parker Henderson (7’0 center). Forward Michael Masini, a 6’8 freshman from Washington, also joins the group after a high school career in which he set Gig Harbor’s career records for points and rebounds. Henderson’s size could give Army another option in the frontcourt, while the newcomers will have opportunities to earn minutes.

With senior guard Ryan Curry, forward Jacen Holloway and senior forward Tate Laczkowski among the key returners, Army will look to improve on last season’s ninth-place Patriot League finish. The development of its younger players and the ability to replace Bell’s scoring will be important factors in determining whether the Black Knights can take a step forward.

For this matchup, I think there are three major areas to watch, with the biggest advantage clearly belonging to Duke in the frontcourt. Army returns an experienced group, but the Black Knights will have a difficult time matching Duke’s size, athleticism and depth. The more interesting question is whether Army can use its perimeter shooting and experience to keep the game competitive.

Key matchups to watch

1. Patrick Ngongba II vs. Army’s frontcourt

This could be Duke’s biggest advantage. Ngongba is coming off a strong season and an impressive 28-point, 10-rebound performance against Kansas in the exhibition game. Army simply doesn’t have the size to consistently match up with Duke’s frontcourt. Look for the Blue Devils to establish Ngongba inside, attack the offensive glass and put pressure on Army’s interior defense.

2. Caleb Foster and John Blackwell vs. Ryan Curry and Army’s backcourt

Army’s best chance to stay competitive is through its experienced backcourt. Senior Ryan Curry averaged 13.3 points and 4.5 assists last season and is the team’s most important returning player. He will need to handle Duke’s defensive pressure, create opportunities for teammates and limit turnovers. Foster and Blackwell give Duke two experienced, physical guards who can make that difficult.

3. Army’s three-point shooting vs. Duke’s perimeter defense

This is probably Army’s best opportunity to make things interesting. The Black Knights led the Patriot League last season with 10.6 made three-pointers per game. They aren’t likely to win a battle of size and athleticism inside, so they will need to spread the floor, move the ball and knock down perimeter shots. Duke’s ability to run Army off the three-point line without giving up easy driving opportunities will be important.

Duke’s rebounding advantage

Duke should have a significant advantage on the glass, particularly on the offensive end. Ngongba, Dame Sarr, and the Blue Devils’ collection of frontcourt players should create problems for an Army team that doesn’t have comparable size. Second-chance opportunities could allow Duke to build a comfortable lead even if its perimeter shooting is inconsistent early in the season.

The biggest question

Can Army make enough three-pointers to force Duke to defend the entire floor?

The Black Knights return four starters and have a senior point guard in Curry who has plenty of experience. That should help them handle the environment at Cameron Indoor Stadium, but the talent and size disparity is considerable. For Duke, this is an opportunity to establish its identity early. I’d be particularly interested in seeing how Ngongba establishes himself as an offensive focal point, how Blackwell fits into the backcourt, and whether the Blue Devils can maintain their defensive intensity for 40 minutes.

Duke should be able to establish domination in this game, although it could take about 5-10 minutes before Duke looks like Duke. Army is going to be scrappy and take advantage of Duke’s tendency to overplay passing lanes. Backdoor cuts and 3’s are going to be the name of the game for Army. This game will not necessarily be a test to see if Duke can win but what will be tested is their discipline defensively.