Duke vs. Cal: A Crucial Basketball Showdown in Berkeley

The Upcoming Matchup: Duke Blue Devils vs. Cal Golden Bears

The sixth-ranked Duke Blue Devils, currently holding an impressive record of 15-1, embark on a two-game swing through the Bay Area this week. Their first stop is Haas Pavilion in Berkeley, California, where they'll face the Cal Golden Bears, who stand at 13-4. This clash, scheduled for January 14, 2026, at 11:00 PM ET, promises to be a highlight in the NCAA basketball calendar.

How to Watch This Crucial Game

• Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
• Time: 11:00 PM ET
• TV Channel: ACC Network
• Live Stream: Fubo (Start your free trial)

Game Analysis: Duke's Form and History

Duke enters this game with confidence after recently defeating SMU 82-75, maintaining their perfect ACC record at 3-0. In that match, Isaiah Evans led the team with 21 points, supported by Cameron Boozer, who contributed 18 points and seven rebounds, and Patrick Ngongba II, who added 17 points off the bench. The Blue Devils have a strong historic background against Cal, winning the last three encounters, including a matchup on February 12, which gives them a slight 3-2 edge in the all-time series.

Cal's Challenges and Strategies

On the other hand, the Golden Bears are navigating a challenging season. They suffered a recent setback against Virginia Tech, falling to 1-2 in the ACC after a series of tough matchups. However, players like Dai Dai Ames, who is averaging 17.8 points this season, are essential to Cal's strategy moving forward.

“Both teams bring different strengths and weaknesses to the table, and that will make for a compelling matchup.”

Keys to a Duke Victory

• Strong three-point shooting from Evans and Boozer.
• Lockdown defense, particularly limiting Ames' scoring opportunities.
• Effective rebounding to control the pace of the game.

Looking Ahead

This game is a must-watch for college basketball enthusiasts and could have significant implications for both teams as they jockey for position in their respective conferences. Not only will it showcase budding stars but it also holds the potential to imperil or bolster NCAA tournament aspirations.

Don't miss out on the action — make sure to tune in and catch Duke vs. Cal live! Start your free trial with Fubo now! Note: Regional restrictions may apply.