In a thrilling showdown steeped in tradition, Cooper Flagg made a significant impact in his debut against North Carolina, contributing 21 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists as the second-ranked Duke Blue Devils triumphed over the Tar Heels with a commanding 87-70 victory on Saturday night.
Duke’s success was aided by fellow freshman Kon Knueppel, who led all scorers with 22 points. The Blue Devils showcased their offensive prowess by shooting 52.8% overall and hitting 10 of 20 attempts from beyond the arc, marking their 15th consecutive win. This victory reinforces Duke’s dominant performance in the Atlantic Coast Conference, where they remain undefeated at 11-0, winning league games by an average margin of 19.8 points.
The game was heavily influenced by a crucial 16-0 run by Duke that set the tone early. Flagg initiated the momentum with a three-pointer after a clever pass out of a double-team and followed it with an impressive dunk. The Blue Devils quickly took control of the game, jumping to a 23-6 lead, while North Carolina struggled, with more turnovers (nine) than successful field goals (eight) in the first half.
For the Tar Heels, RJ Davis and Drake Powell each contributed 12 points, but their team has faced challenges recently, losing four of their last five games. Their only victory during that stretch came in a hard-fought overtime match against Boston College, who at that time had just one league win.
Looking ahead, Duke will continue their momentum as they prepare to face Syracuse on Wednesday, while North Carolina will be looking to improve their NCAA tournament chances against Pittsburgh next Saturday. This matchup presents an opportunity for both teams, with Duke striving to maintain their impressive streak and UNC seeking to gain traction in the competitive season.
Overall, this game serves as a reminder of the excitement that college basketball can bring, highlighting young talent and fierce rivalries, with hopes for each team’s future endeavors.