In a standout performance on Tuesday night, Cooper Flagg, a star freshman from Maine, showcased his talent by scoring 14 of his total 19 points in the second half. His highlight was an electrifying coast-to-coast dunk that energized the crowd and contributed to the No. 4 Duke Blue Devils’ decisive 76-47 victory over Pittsburgh.
Duke’s success was also aided by fellow freshman Kon Knueppel, who scored 17 points, including four 3-pointers. With this win, the Blue Devils improved their record to 13-2 overall and 5-0 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, maintaining their status as a formidable team in the league. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh, despite being on a five-game winning streak prior to this matchup, fell to 12-3 overall and 3-1 in the conference, struggling significantly on offense with shooting percentages plummeting to 31%.
The key moment of the game occurred in the second half when Flagg, a 6-foot-9 preseason Associated Press All-American, intercepted a pass and sprinted down the court for an impressive dunk, accompanied by a foul that allowed him to complete a three-point play. This moment not only highlighted Duke’s defensive prowess but also solidified their lead, as they went on to score the final 18 points of the game.
Pittsburgh’s guards, Ishmael Leggett and Jaland Lowe, who have been critical to their offense this season, faced a challenging night. Leggett scored only four points on a disappointing 2-for-15 shooting performance, while Lowe managed eight points with a 3-for-12 shooting record.
Looking ahead, Pittsburgh will host Louisville on Saturday, while Duke will take on Notre Dame on the same day, presenting both teams with opportunities to rebound and showcase their skills in upcoming matchups.
Overall, Duke’s continued success is a promising sign for their fans, as the team not only excels in its offensive plays but also demonstrates exceptional defensive capabilities. The performances of young talents like Flagg and Knueppel highlight a bright future for the Blue Devils, fostering excitement for the remainder of the season.