Duke basketball fans had every reason to celebrate on Saturday night as the Blue Devils convincingly defeated arch-rival North Carolina, 87-70. The win cemented Duke’s dominance in the ACC, keeping them undefeated in conference play with an 11-0 mark. However, despite putting up an impressive performance, Duke’s standout freshman Cooper Flagg left the court unsatisfied.
Flagg’s Near Triple-Double Performance
Flagg, who finished the game with 21 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, was undeniably instrumental in Duke’s victory. His ability to find teammates early in the game set the tone for the Blue Devils’ offensive rhythm.
“It might be [my best college game],” Flagg admitted in a post-game interview with ESPN. “But for me, I’m just trying to make the right plays. Four of the first six baskets I assisted. That’s huge for me to find my teammates and make plays for them.”
Yet, despite his dominant showing, Flagg was critical of his own play, particularly his fatigue and decision-making down the stretch.
“It was a little bit of me being tired and making some dumb mistakes at the end,” he added. “Being soft at the end kind of played into that.”
Jon Scheyer’s Take on Flagg’s Performance
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer had nothing but praise for his young star, emphasizing Flagg’s ability to elevate his teammates even when he wasn’t at his best.
“He almost had a triple-double, and he wasn’t quite himself [at the end],” Scheyer said. “But besides that segment, he was just in control the entire game. He makes everybody better around him, and it’s a heck of a thing to have 21, 8, and 7 and you think he could’ve done more.”
Flagg’s self-criticism speaks volumes about his mentality. Even in one of his best performances, he sees room for improvement—a trait that separates good players from great ones.
Duke’s Case for the No. 1 Seed in the NCAA Tournament
With a 19-2 overall record and a 15-game winning streak, Duke has made a strong case for securing a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Saturday’s win against North Carolina only strengthened their claim.
“You could definitely feel a different energy tonight,” Flagg said. “For us, it’s just another game. We came out and executed our game plan, did what we were trying to do, and came out with the win. It’s another game, and we’re chasing a big mission this year.”
While Flagg might have been hard on himself, Duke’s performance against North Carolina reaffirmed their status as a top contender. The Blue Devils will look to continue their winning ways when they face Syracuse on Wednesday night.
Kon Knueppel Steps Up
Flagg wasn’t the only freshman who shined against North Carolina. Kon Knueppel delivered a stellar performance with 22 points and five assists. According to ESPN, this marked the first time in 15 years that two Duke players scored at least 20 points in a game against North Carolina.
“They absolutely feed off each other,” Scheyer noted. “It starts with their competitiveness. They play both sides of the ball. They have high-level feel. … Add in their skill and versatility. Kon’s posting and shooting and pick-and-roll. And everybody knows, Cooper’s already doing everything. They have a great thing. There’s a lot of maturity with both of them.”
Final Thoughts
Duke’s dominance over North Carolina sent a strong message to the college basketball world: the Blue Devils are legitimate championship contenders. Despite his personal frustrations, Flagg’s leadership and impact on the court were undeniable. His pursuit of perfection is a promising sign for Duke fans hoping for a deep March Madness run.
The Blue Devils’ next test comes against Syracuse on Wednesday, as they aim to keep their momentum rolling in pursuit of ACC supremacy and beyond.
