Duke Blue Devils Defeats Belmont in First Scrimmage of the Season

Dame Sarr, a sophomore, and freshman Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje led the scoring with 19 points each. The team demonstrated their offensive capabilities with a shooting percentage of 53.1%, including contributions from ten different players who scored and seven who made three-point shots, despite Caleb Foster and Drew Scharnowski missing the game due to injuries.

Duke's defense was particularly impressive, applying intense pressure that disrupted Belmont's half-court offense. Belmont struggled with a shooting percentage of 34.5% from the field and only managed to make 7 of 30 three-point attempts. The Blue Devils outscored Belmont 44-20 in the paint and excelled on the boards, securing a 46-28 rebounding advantage, with 17 offensive rebounds. Additionally, Duke forced 17 turnovers, converting them into 20 points.

Despite the win, Duke committed 16 turnovers and experienced some offensive miscommunications. However, Boumtje Boumtje noted that the team learned invaluable lessons about their performance against a different opponent. He expressed confidence in their abilities, stating they are among the best teams in the country and highlighted the necessity of continual improvement to achieve championship goals.

Both Boumtje Boumtje and Sarr impressed with their overall performances. Sarr, previously recognized mainly for his defensive skills, showcased a more developed offensive game by actively seeking contact and rebounding effectively. Boumtje Boumtje’s debut included seven rebounds, two steals, and two blocks, signaling his potential as an all-around contributor for the Blue Devils.

Duke's next exhibition will be against Tennessee on October 20, offering an additional opportunity to build on their successful start.