DURHAM — The Duke Blue Devils showcased their competitive spirit as they faced off against the N.C. State Wolfpack, unveiling their Blue Devil mascot with a playful twist: “UNC warm-up” taped across its forehead. However, N.C. State was not easily intimidated, pushing Duke to the limit before the second-ranked team secured a 74-64 victory. The win improved Duke’s record to 10-0 in the ACC, setting the stage for an exciting rivalry match against North Carolina on Saturday.
This matchup marked the first encounter since N.C. State eliminated Duke during the 2024 NCAA Tournament, adding extra intensity to the game. The Blue Devils, now 18-2 overall and perfect in conference play, overcame a 13-point deficit, leveraging a strong second half fueled by standout performances.
Duke showcased strategic adjustments, switching to a 2-3 zone defense that proved effective in the latter stages of the game. With just under six minutes remaining and the score tight, Duke surged ahead with a pivotal 13-5 run, highlighted by an impressive five-point contribution from freshman Cooper Flagg. By the end, Duke closed out the game on a 10-2 run, a remarkable turnaround considering they had trailed by 13 in the first half.
Cooper Flagg excelled throughout the contest, scoring 23 of his 28 points after halftime and making 11 out of 13 free throw attempts. His ability to step up during crucial moments has been a defining trait of his play this season. Kon Knueppel also made key contributions, scoring 19 points, including a trio of 3-pointers that helped keep Duke competitive early in the game.
For N.C. State, transfer Dontrez Styles shined with a strong performance against his former rivals, adding a halftime-high 13 points. Freshman Trey Parker also made his mark, achieving a career-high 15 points and contributing significantly in the second half.
Overall, Duke’s victory reflects their resilience and strategic depth as they prepare for more intense matchups ahead. The combination of Flagg and Knueppel’s scoring prowess, alongside strategic plays, sets a hopeful tone for the remainder of the season. As they continue to build momentum, fans can look forward to an engaging matchup against North Carolina that promises to be a highlight in college basketball.