Duke freshman sensation Cooper Flagg put on a dazzling display Thursday night, leading the Blue Devils to a thrilling 100-93 victory over Arizona in the NCAA tournament. His all-around performance—30 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks—helped Duke withstand an electric effort from Arizona’s Caleb Love and moved the Blue Devils within one win of the Final Four.
“That’s one of the best tournament performances I’ve ever coached or been a part of,” said Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, who has witnessed many great moments in the program’s storied history.
Flagg, who recently recovered from an ankle injury, showed no signs of slowing down. He was dominant from the start, controlling the tempo, making clutch plays, and stepping up when Duke needed him the most. Arizona’s Love, well-known for his history of tormenting Duke dating back to his time at North Carolina, gave it everything he had, but Flagg’s brilliance ensured this wouldn’t be another heartbreaker for the Blue Devils.
A Battle Between Stars
Caleb Love finished with an impressive 35 points—just one shy of his career high—including a stretch where he scored 15 straight for the Wildcats. His explosive second-half performance nearly brought Arizona back from a 19-point deficit, cutting Duke’s lead to just five points with under two minutes to go.
However, Flagg and the Blue Devils had the last word. The freshman phenom made three of four crucial free throws, and Duke as a team hit 9 of 10 from the line in the final moments to secure the win and punch their ticket to the Elite Eight.
“What I’ve wanted from him was not to defer,” Scheyer said about Flagg. “Just wanted him to fully be him. I thought he was in his element tonight. He was loose, talking, competitive, the whole thing.”
Despite Arizona’s defensive efforts to contain him, Flagg showed why he is one of the most exciting young players in college basketball. His confidence and composure were evident as he sliced through defenders, hit big shots, and facilitated plays for his teammates.
Duke’s Path to the Final Four
The win propels the top-seeded Blue Devils (34-3) into an East Region showdown against No. 2 seed Alabama on Saturday. The Crimson Tide, coming off a record-setting performance with 3-pointers in their 113-88 rout of BYU, will be a formidable opponent. The winner will earn a spot in the Final Four, which would mark Duke’s 18th appearance in program history.
For Flagg and the Blue Devils, the road to college basketball’s biggest stage is within reach. The last time Duke made it this far was in 2022, when Caleb Love, then with North Carolina, ended legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski’s career in the Final Four. This time, Duke made sure Love wouldn’t have the final say.
Arizona’s Comeback Falls Short
Arizona fought hard despite the early deficit. Carter Bryant’s clutch three-pointer with 1:56 left gave the Wildcats a glimmer of hope, cutting the lead to five. However, Flagg’s poise at the free-throw line and Duke’s efficiency down the stretch prevented a full comeback.
Love, playing in what was likely his final college game, put on a show. After missing his first three shots, he caught fire and finished 11-of-21 from the field, including five three-pointers. His 35-point effort was seven more than the 28 he scored against Duke in 2022 when he ended Coach K’s legendary tenure.
The Wildcats also received key contributions from Jaden Bradley, who added 15 points. Despite their fight, Arizona couldn’t replicate their 2011 magic—the last time these two teams met in the tournament, when they upset a top-seeded Duke squad.
Flagg’s Breakout Moment
While Duke is known for its star-studded tournament history, Flagg’s performance felt like a defining moment. His ability to control the game in multiple ways showed why he is considered a future NBA prospect. He was aggressive when needed, played smart defense, and carried the Blue Devils to victory with his leadership and versatility.
With Alabama waiting in the next round, Duke will need another big night from its young star. If Flagg continues at this level, he could lead the Blue Devils back to the Final Four and perhaps even further.
What’s Next?
Duke now turns its attention to Alabama, a team that thrives on perimeter shooting. If the Blue Devils can slow down the Crimson Tide’s three-point barrage, they will have a strong chance of advancing.
For now, though, Duke fans can savor the moment. Cooper Flagg delivered a tournament performance for the ages, and the Blue Devils are just one step away from another Final Four appearance.
