NEWARK, N.J. — For the first time in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Duke basketball faced a bit of game pressure on Thursday night. Cooper Flagg and the top-seeded Blue Devils earned a 100-93 win against No. 4 seed Arizona in the Sweet 16 of March Madness. Duke (34-3), which won its first two tournament games by an average margin of 33.5 points, had to withstand a stellar performance from Caleb Love and a late run from the Wildcats (24-13) at Prudential Center. Duke’s elite response earned it a berth in the Elite Eight against No. 2 seed Alabama (28-8) on Saturday. The winner will head to the Final Four in San Antonio.
Flagg, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, filled the stat sheet with 30 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 blocks. Only Zion Williamson and Jared McCain have scored more points (32) as Duke freshmen in an NCAA Tournament game. Kon Knueppel (20 points), Sion James (16 points), and Khaman Maluach (13 points) joined Flagg in double figures. Duke (34-3) is in the Elite Eight for the second straight season.
In the first half against Arizona, Flagg showcased his scoring ability early, netting 18 points and capping a 10-4 run with a deep 3-pointer to give Duke a six-point lead at halftime. His momentum carried into the second half, where he buried Arizona with timely buckets and assists.
The game was a foul-filled affair, with Duke having six players finish with multiple fouls. The teams combined for 45 fouls and 44 free throws, with two players fouling out. Patrick Ngongba fouled out for Duke, contributing eight points before heading to the bench.
On the other side, Arizona's Caleb Love put up a fight, scoring 35 points, including 21 in the second half, and making five 3-pointers. Love averaged 31.5 points in two March Madness games against Duke, proving to be a formidable opponent.
Looking ahead, Duke will face Alabama in the Elite Eight, a matchup that is expected to be highly competitive. Alabama recently defeated BYU with a stunning score of 113-88, demonstrating their offensive prowess.
Flagg's performance continues to draw attention as he solidifies his status as a top NBA prospect. His ability to perform under pressure and contribute in multiple facets of the game has been a key factor in Duke's success this season. With averages of 18.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, Flagg has proven to be a versatile player capable of leading his team.
As the tournament progresses, fans are eager to see how Flagg and the Blue Devils will fare against Alabama. With the stakes higher than ever, the anticipation for this matchup is palpable.
In addition to Flagg's impressive stats, the Blue Devils have shown depth in their roster, with players like Knueppel and Maluach stepping up to provide crucial support. This collective effort has been essential for Duke as they navigate the challenges of the NCAA Tournament.
As the clock ticks down to the Elite Eight, Cooper Flagg remains focused on one goal: winning the national championship. His competitive spirit, honed from a young age, drives him to excel in every game.
Flagg's journey from Montverde Academy to Duke has been remarkable, and his family has played a significant role in shaping his competitive nature. His mother, Kelly, recalls moments from his childhood that highlight his drive to win, even in simple games like "Just Dance" on the Nintendo Wii. This relentless pursuit of excellence has carried over to the basketball court, where Flagg has become a household name.
As the Blue Devils prepare for their next challenge, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on Cooper Flagg. With the potential to become the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, the eyes of the basketball world are watching closely.
In conclusion, Duke's victory over Arizona not only secures their place in the Elite Eight but also showcases the talent and determination of Cooper Flagg. With a championship within reach, the Blue Devils are poised to make a deep run in the tournament.
