In their season opener on November 4, the University of Maine men’s basketball team faced a tough challenge against the Duke Blue Devils, ultimately falling 96-62 at the iconic Cameron Indoor Stadium. The game held special significance for Duke’s standout freshman, Cooper Flagg, who hails from Newport, Maine. Not only did Flagg achieve the honor of being the first freshman to be named Maine Gatorade Player of the Year, but he also has roots in the UMaine community, with his mother having played for the university and his brother recently committing to the Black Bears.
Maine entered the matchup ranked fourth in the America East preseason poll, marking their highest ranking in over a decade. Under the guidance of Head Coach Chris Markwood, who has improved his team’s performance each year, the Black Bears aimed to leverage their preseason momentum.
The game kicked off with Duke’s Kon Knueppel making an immediate impact, scoring the first basket. Flagg had a slow start offensively but quickly assisted his teammates with strategic plays, showcasing his ability to facilitate scoring opportunities. Maine managed to remain competitive in the initial quarter, capitalizing on offensive rebounds and forcing turnovers, thanks in part to the efforts of grad student Kellen Tynes.
As the game progressed, Duke’s offense began to find its rhythm, with Knueppel and Flagg leading critical scoring plays. Though Maine experienced a scoring drought, they fought back with a series of baskets, sparked by Christopher Mantis’s timely three-pointer. Despite maintaining a close score in the first half, Duke pulled ahead to a 44-33 lead by halftime.
In the second half, Maine showed resilience and continued to battle, with both teams exchanging baskets. However, Duke’s depth and disciplined gameplay began to set them apart as they consistently capitalized on offensive rebounds and created scoring opportunities through effective ball movement. Proctor and Foster emerged as pivotal players for Duke, amplifying their lead significantly.
Flagg finished his debut with a solid performance, notching 18 points, 7 rebounds, and team-highs in assists and steals. Meanwhile, Knueppel dominated with a game-high 22 points for Duke, which highlighted the depth of their roster with six players scoring in double digits. For Maine, Quinn Burns led the scoring with 15 points, and Keelan Steele made a notable impact in limited minutes.
Although the outcome was not what Maine hoped for, there are notable positives to take away from the game. The Black Bears displayed a competitive spirit and resilience on the court, indicating potential as the season progresses. As Coach Markwood continues to develop his team, Maine’s players have a great opportunity to grow and adapt in the upcoming games, giving fans reasons to remain optimistic about the season ahead.
In summary, despite the loss, Maine’s performance reflected their growth and potential, laying the foundation for future success as they navigate the rest of the season.