The Duke Blue Devils delivered a decisive victory over the SMU Mustangs by a score of 89-62 on Saturday afternoon during their Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) matchup. The fourth-ranked Blue Devils showcased their dominance at the Moody Coliseum, culminating in their eighth consecutive win and handing the Mustangs their first conference loss since joining the ACC.
Without their head coach Jon Scheyer, who was absent due to illness, Duke relied heavily on their star freshman, Cooper Flagg, who led the team with 24 points and 11 rebounds, marking his fifth double-double of the season. His exceptional play has only fueled the hype surrounding his potential 2025 NBA Draft prospects.
From the opening tip, Flagg set the tone, scoring 13 points within the first 11 minutes. He finished the game shooting 7-of-12 from the floor and going perfect from the free-throw line, helping Duke build and maintain their lead throughout the match. Flagg's performance was bolstered by supporting players Tyrese Proctor and Kon Knueppel, who each contributed 14 points.
The first half saw the Mustangs compete for the initial minutes before Duke's defense, which has been the best within the ACC this season, stifled their high-scoring average of 87.2 points per game. SMU struggled offensively, managing only 62 points and shooting just 34% from the field—both season lows.
Despite displaying promise, the Mustangs faced challenges breaking down Duke's rigorous defense, which excelled with their athleticism and length. Cooper Flagg's contributions on both ends of the court included two blocks and another steal, solidifying him as not just the team's leading scorer but also impacting the game defensively.
Sion James filled key roles during the game, showcasing his playmaking ability by distributing eight assists. Duke moved the ball effectively, assisting on 22 of their 33 baskets, which was one of their most efficient offensive performances this season.
SMU had their best start to the season under new head coach Andy Enfield, boasting 11 wins in their first 13 games, but Duke's cohesive team play and formidable presence left their mark. Early on, SMU managed to secure their only lead of the game with a score of 3-2, but Duke quickly retaliated and built on their advantage by the end of the half.
From the onset of the second half, it became clear the Mustangs were up against one of the top programs historically and currently. Duke amplified their lead to as much as 27 points during the second half. Cooper Flagg’s relentless scoring and Duke's rebounds, especially on the defensive end, worked to seal the game as they outperformed the Mustangs at every turn.
The Blue Devils' triumph at SMU marks their successful run as they maintain their undefeated status within the conference. Looking forward, the team is eyeing future matchups, including their upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Panthers. They have their eyes set on solidifying their No. 1 seed for the NCAA Tournament, driven by performances like the one they exhibited against SMU.
The contest showcased not only Duke's strength but also offered insight to the Mustangs on areas needing improvement. This loss may serve as motivation for Enfield and his squad to address their shortcomings as they strive for success amid tougher competition.