CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Duke Blue Devils continue to assert their dominance this season as they prepare to face off against their rival NC State following their recent victory over Wake Forest. Freshman guard/forward Cooper Flagg has emerged as the standout player, recently earning his eighth Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Men's Basketball Rookie of the Week honor after leading Duke to its 13th consecutive win.
On January 25, 2025, the Blue Devils clinched a hard-fought 63-56 win against Wake Forest, handing the Demon Deacons their first home loss this season. Flagg, hailing from Newport, Maine, delivered a stellar performance, racking up a game-high 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting and contributing significantly on defense with seven rebounds and six assists. During the match, he was responsible for 40 of Duke's 63 points, accounting for 63% of the team’s scoring.
"Flagg helped Duke extend its winning streak to 13 games," noted the Duke Athletics report following the game. The young athlete's explosive performance has placed him at the forefront for both ACC Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year honors, thrilling fans and coaches alike.
The upcoming match against NC State is highly anticipated, especially considering the contrasting trajectories of the two teams. Duke currently boasts an impressive 17-2 overall record and remains unbeaten (9-0) within the ACC, highlighting their ability to perform under pressure. NC State, on the other hand, finds itself struggling, having dropped four straight games.
Duke’s successful season can largely be attributed to the cohesive play and depth of the team, with Flagg leading the charge. Fellow freshman Kon Knueppel is also making waves, averaging 12.8 points per game and providing the Blue Devils with another scoring threat. Reportedly, NC State aims to use these matchups as opportunities to turn their season around, with Marcus Hill leading their scoring efforts at 13.2 points per game.
The rivalry game is set for January 27, 2025, at Cameron Indoor Stadium, with tip-off at 8:30 p.m. This will be the first of two significant matchups this week, as Duke prepares to host North Carolina later. The stakes are high, with Duke hoping to extend its successful streak to 14 games, bolstered by home-court advantage.
Statistically, Duke has outperformed NC State historically, with the Blue Devils winning 19 of the last 20 games played against NC State at home. Duke remains ranked No. 2 nationally following their victory over Wake Forest, solidifying their status as contenders for the championship.
With Duke’s rigorous defensive strategy evident throughout the season, they rank fourth nationally for scoring defense, allowing just 59.3 points per game on average. Head Coach Jon Scheyer has emphasized both offensive growth and defensive tenacity as the keys to Duke's success this year, which will be put to the test against NC State, who will look to find their footing.
Notably, the Blue Devils' roster has seen 26 different players earn ACC Rookie of the Week accolades over the past 11 seasons. Flagg's prowess continues to shine among this distinguished group, garnering recognition almost every week since the beginning of the season.
Despite NC State’s challenges, the Wolfpack will bring their own strengths to the court, showing resilience through their strengths such as rebounding, particularly with Brandon Huntley-Hatfield averaging 5.1 boards per game. The urgency of the rivalry game will likely inspire NC State to push harder as they fight to re-establish momentum this season.
With high stakes and compelling storylines, the Duke vs. NC State matchup showcases the intensity of college basketball. Fans from both sides can expect thrilling action as the Blue Devils look to continue their winning ways and the Wolfpack aim to turn their fortunes around.
Duke fans are eager to cheer on their young stars and witness another chapter of this historic rivalry play out at Cameron Indoor. With tickets selling fast, the atmosphere is expected to be electric, echoing the spirited tradition of college basketball rivalries.
Stay updated with Duke Basketball's progress via their social media platforms and mark the calendar for what promises to be yet another thrilling encounter.