Cooper Flagg scored 24 points, caught seven rebounds and distributed six assists playing 39 of 40 minutes in the victory of the Duke Blue Devils by 63-56 over the Wake Forest Dest Deacons on Saturday.
Duke, team number 2 in the country, improved 17-2 and 9-0 against opponents of the ACC. It was Flagg who gave the Blue Devils the shake they needed in the second half to slowly move away from Wake Forest. At one point, Flagg scored three times on a streak of seven consecutive possessions.
CLICK HERE for more sports coverage at Foxnews.com
Cooper Flagg of Duke blocks a shot by Juke Harris by Wake Forest in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on Saturday, January 25, 2025. (Photo AP/Ben McKeown)
In defense, Duke changed man to zone to stop the demon deacons when there were about eight minutes left. Flagg admitted that he had never played in the area before. He ended with two caps in the game.
Flagg’s legend only grows before his probable jump to the NBA. It is an performance like Wake Forest that only solidified it as a potential generational talent at the next level. He even left an indelible impression on Wake Forest coach Steve Forbes.
Dan Hurley from UConn Download the referee with an epic line in the victory in extra time of the Huskies: ‘I said that?’
Cooper Flagg of Duke drives while Tre’von Spillers of Wake Forest defends in Winston-Salem, on Saturday, January 25, 2025. (Photo AP/Ben McKeown)
“General,” he said when he was asked to describe Flagg. “I will give you an example: its top scorer last year was the first selection in the second round. This type will be the first selection in the first round. Great difference.
“He is a difficult guy to defend. He has all the tools. The best of him … is his generosity. That he really wants other people to triumph.”
Flagg averages 19.5 points, 8 rebounds and 4.2 assists this season. Duke has 12 games left before the conference tournament begins.
Duke’s chief coach Jon Scheyer speaks with Cooper Flagg, left, and Kon Knueppel during the Wake Forest game, on Saturday, January 25, 2025. (Photo AP/Ben McKeown)
Flagg and the Blue Devils are scheduled for a match on Monday night against NC State.
