Duke Blue Devils Host Niagara After Upset Win Over Kansas: How to Watch on ACC Network
- Nov, 21 2025
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- Wahyu Nugroho
The Duke Blue Devils aren’t just playing basketball—they’re making headlines. After a surprising 78-66 victory over the Kansas Jayhawks on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the team’s momentum is palpable. The win, broadcast live on ESPN (game ID: 401817232), wasn’t just a statement—it was a signal. Duke, long a powerhouse in college hoops, looked sharper, faster, and hungrier than many expected. Now, they turn their focus to Friday night’s matchup against Niagara University at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, a game that might seem like a breather… but shouldn’t be underestimated.
How to Watch Duke vs. Niagara
The game will air exclusively on the ACC Network (ACCN), the home for most of Duke’s conference games. For fans without cable, streaming is the way to go. Watch ESPN will carry the live stream, requiring a cable or streaming login. That’s where things get interesting. YouTube TV offers a free trial that includes ACCN, ESPN, and CBS—all essential for Duke’s upcoming slate. With over 85 channels in its base package, it’s become a go-to for college basketball fans who want to avoid traditional cable. Meanwhile, Sling TV’s Sling Orange package, starting at just $1 for the first month, gives access to ESPN and TNT, making it a budget-friendly option. Just remember: blackout rules apply. If you’re in the Durham area, some games might be restricted based on local broadcast rights. It’s a quirk of modern sports streaming, and it catches even seasoned fans off guard.The Bigger Picture: Why This Game Matters
Beating Kansas wasn’t just a win—it was a psychological reset. The Jayhawks, perennial Final Four contenders, were heavy favorites. Duke’s ability to control the pace, limit second-chance points, and get timely three-pointers from freshman guard Malik Reynolds (18 points, 5 assists) suggests this team has evolved. Coach Jon Scheyer isn’t relying on one superstar anymore. He’s got depth. He’s got defense. And he’s got a roster that plays like it believes it belongs among the nation’s elite. Niagara, on the other hand, comes in at 2-4 on the season, with losses to NCAA Tournament teams like Syracuse and Marquette. But don’t write them off. The Purple Eagles play a fast, unorthodox style—full-court pressure, quick ball movement, and a high volume of threes. They’ve lost close games by single digits. This isn’t a tune-up. It’s a test of focus.What’s Next? A Grueling November Schedule
After Niagara, Duke’s schedule turns brutal. On Sunday, November 23, they host Howard University at 4:00 p.m. on ACCN—a classic trap game. Then, just two days later, they face North Carolina at 3:30 p.m. on ACCN. The rivalry is back, and it’s hotter than ever. The Tar Heels are 5-1, led by transfer star Jalen Washington, who dropped 31 on Florida State last week. The real gauntlet arrives on November 27, when Duke travels to Fayetteville to face the University of Arkansas at 8:00 p.m. That game will be nationally televised on CBS. Arkansas is 6-0, with a top-10 defense and a physical frontcourt that could challenge Duke’s interior. This isn’t just a non-conference game—it’s a potential NCAA Tournament resume-builder.
Streaming Tips and Tech Requirements
If you’re streaming, here’s what you need to know:- YouTube TV: Requires 25 Mbps for HD streaming. Works on Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick, and mobile devices. Free trial available.
- Sling TV: Minimum 3 Mbps, but 25 Mbps recommended. Sling Orange includes ESPN, TNT, and TBS. No local CBS or NBC unless you upgrade to Sling Blue.
- Watch ESPN: Must log in with a participating provider. No standalone subscription.
Why This Season Could Be Different
For years, Duke’s identity has been tied to one-and-done stars. This year? It’s different. The roster is balanced. The guards are disciplined. The big men are mobile. And the bench—led by sophomore forward Tyrese Proctor—is playing with confidence. This isn’t the team that lost to Texas Tech in the second round last March. This is a team that’s been retooled, retrained, and reenergized. The win over Kansas wasn’t luck. It was preparation. And if Duke can get past Niagara without looking ahead, they’ll enter the ACC slate with real momentum. That’s rare. That’s valuable. And that’s exactly what championship teams do.Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch the Duke vs. Niagara game without a cable subscription?
Yes. The game will stream on Watch ESPN, which requires authentication through a participating provider like YouTube TV or Sling TV. YouTube TV offers a free trial that includes ACC Network, and Sling Orange starts at $1 for the first month, giving access to ESPN and TNT. Neither requires a traditional cable contract.
Why is the game on ACC Network and not ESPN?
The ACC Network holds exclusive rights to most regular-season Duke games that aren’t marquee national matchups. While ESPN broadcasts high-profile games like Duke vs. Kansas, ACCN covers the bulk of conference and non-conference matchups, including Niagara and Howard. CBS only steps in for select national games, like the Arkansas showdown.
Is there a chance the Niagara game gets moved or postponed?
Unlikely. Both teams are on stable schedules, and there are no weather or health alerts affecting the game. Duke’s athletic department confirmed the 7 p.m. ET tip on November 21 as scheduled. The only risk would be a last-minute broadcast change, which is rare for non-conference games unless there’s a major event conflict.
How does this win over Kansas affect Duke’s NCAA Tournament chances?
It’s a massive boost. Kansas was ranked No. 8 in the NET rankings before the game. Beating a top-10 team on the road gives Duke a signature win that will help them avoid the play-in games. Their RPI and strength of schedule are now among the best in the country, putting them firmly in the early conversation for a top-4 seed.
What’s the significance of playing at Cameron Indoor Stadium?
Cameron Indoor Stadium is one of the most intimidating venues in college basketball. Even against lower-ranked teams, the crowd noise, the tight quarters, and the history create pressure that can rattle even seasoned opponents. Duke is 14-1 at home over the last two seasons. That home-court advantage is a major reason why they’ve been so successful in November.
Are there any blackout restrictions I should know about?
Yes. Streaming services like Sling TV and YouTube TV may blackout local games based on your zip code. If you live within the ACC Network’s regional broadcast zone (including Durham), you might not see the game on your streaming app unless you’re logged in with a local provider. Check your service’s blackout policy before subscribing.