LAS VEGAS — The highly anticipated showdown between Duke and Kansas turned out to be an exciting match reminiscent of a Final Four clash, drawing a lively crowd at the T-Mobile Arena just before Thanksgiving. In the end, experience played a pivotal role, leading No. 1 Kansas to a narrow 75-72 victory over No. 11 Duke.
Both teams are storied programs in college basketball history, collectively amassing 33 Final Four appearances, nine NCAA championships, and over 4,700 wins.
In the game, Duke’s freshmen, Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, faced early challenges. Kansas jumped out to a 16-3 lead, putting Duke on the defensive. Flagg, initially quiet with only two points in the first half, came alive with 11 of his 13 points after halftime. Despite his struggles, Knueppel showed versatility by contributing with 11 points and eight assists, although he missed several three-point shots, including a crucial attempt at the buzzer.
Kansas point guard Dajuan Harris proved to be a thorn in Duke’s side, orchestrating plays effectively with 14 points and nine assists. Duke had difficulty containing him and securing rebounds, with Kansas out-rebounding them 31-25 and gaining several extra possessions through offensive boards.
On the bright side, Duke’s junior guard Tyrese Proctor demonstrated his shooting prowess, hitting five three-pointers, which was crucial in keeping the scoreboard ticking for the Blue Devils. Meanwhile, contributions from transfers Maliq Brown, Mason Gillis, and Sion James helped sustain Duke during a challenging first half. Brown’s energy on both ends of the court sparked a crucial scoring run and added depth to the team when they needed it most.
This matchup showcased the resilience and potential of Duke’s young talent, especially as they faced off against a seasoned Kansas team. As the season progresses, there is much hope for Duke’s continued improvement, particularly as both Flagg and Knueppel refine their games. With strong performances and the right adjustments, Duke has the potential to become a formidable contender in the upcoming games.