In a commanding performance, No. 3 Duke triumphed over Virginia 80-62 in a recent ACC matchup held on February 17. The Blue Devils, with a record now standing at 23-3 (15-1 ACC), showcased their depth as three players scored 17 points each, leading the charge against the Cavaliers.
Duke started strong, quickly establishing its dominance in the paint. Virginia opened the scoring, but Duke responded with strong contributions from freshman Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, the latter netting a crucial three-pointer that allowed the Blue Devils to capture an early lead. As the first half progressed, Tyrese Proctor and Isaiah Evans – both of whom had remarkable shooting streaks – extended Duke’s lead, with Evans making an impressive five three-pointers throughout the game. By halftime, Duke had built a substantial lead of 43-26.
The Blue Devils maintained their advantage as the second half began, quickly stretching the margin to 20 points. Duke’s balanced scoring and relentless defense effectively contained the Cavaliers, limiting them to just 62 points – significantly below Virginia’s past five-game average of 75.4 points.
Notably, Duke dominated the rebounding battle, 41-21, marking the second-best margin in this category for the season. Four consecutive baskets from Virginia did not deter Duke’s defensive tenacity, which ultimately held the Cavaliers scoreless for the final 4:27 of the contest.
Head coach Jon Scheyer praised his team’s resilience, emphasizing their performance despite a short turnaround. Scheyer particularly highlighted the outstanding efforts of Flagg, who returned a career-high 14 rebounds alongside his scoring output, achieving his seventh double-double of the season. Additionally, he commended the contributions from younger players like Patrick Ngongba II and Evans, expressing pride in their readiness to step up in crucial moments.
The victory not only reinforces Duke’s strong position in the league but also marks a milestone in their healthy rivalry with Virginia, improving their all-time record against them to 126-54, showcasing their consistent excellence in the series.
As Duke prepares for a non-conference clash against Illinois at Madison Square Garden on February 22, the team’s performance in this game serves as a promising indicator of their potential as they continue to build momentum toward the postseason. The collaboration among players and the effectiveness of their game strategy bode well for their prospects in upcoming challenges.