NEWARK, N.J. -- The NCAA tournament is heating up, and Duke's Cooper Flagg put on a skills clinic, leading the Blue Devils to a thrilling 100-93 victory over Arizona in the Sweet 16 on Thursday night. With this win, Duke is now just one game away from the coveted Final Four, advancing to the Elite Eight for the second consecutive season.
Flagg, who has been recovering from an ankle injury that sidelined him earlier this month, delivered a standout performance with 30 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks. His contributions were vital in holding off a fierce challenge from Arizona's Caleb Love, who scored 35 points but couldn't prevent another early exit for the Wildcats.
The game unfolded at the Prudential Center, where the top-seeded Blue Devils (34-3) faced a determined Arizona squad (24-13). Duke initially built a commanding 19-point lead, but Arizona staged a furious comeback, cutting the deficit to just five points with 1:56 left in the game. Love, a former North Carolina standout, was relentless, scoring 21 of his points in the second half, including a streak of 12 consecutive points that ignited the Wildcats' rally.
However, Flagg's poise under pressure proved decisive. He sank three of four free throws in the closing moments, while Duke converted nine of ten from the charity stripe to seal the victory. The Blue Devils displayed resilience, showcasing their ability to withstand pressure and execute down the stretch.
"It felt good to be back out there and contribute to the team’s success," Flagg said post-game. "We knew Arizona would make a run, but we stuck together and focused on executing our game plan. Every possession mattered, and we made the plays we needed to win."
Despite the loss, Caleb Love's performance was notable. He shot 11 for 21 from the field, including five three-pointers, reflecting his determination to keep Arizona competitive. Love's scoring prowess has been a hallmark of his career, and he averaged 31.5 points across two March Madness games against Duke.
"I just wanted to give it my all, knowing this was my last chance to compete against Duke," Love stated. "We fought hard, but it wasn’t enough. It’s tough to see the season end like this, but I’m proud of my teammates and what we accomplished this year."
Duke's supporting cast also stepped up, with Kon Knueppel contributing 20 points, Sion James adding 16, and Khaman Maluach chipping in 13. Their collective efforts were crucial in maintaining Duke's lead throughout the game.
The matchup was a rematch of earlier encounters, with Duke having dominated the glass in their previous meeting, out-rebounding Arizona 43-30. This time, the Blue Devils faced a different challenge as both teams battled foul trouble, combining for 45 fouls and 44 free throws throughout the contest. Patrick Ngongba fouled out for Duke, but his absence did not derail the team's momentum.
With this victory, Duke now looks forward to a highly anticipated clash against Alabama, the No. 2 seed in the East Region, on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Alabama advanced after a record-setting 113-88 win over BYU, marking a showdown between two of the tournament's top teams. A win would secure Duke's 18th Final Four appearance, an achievement that would further solidify their storied basketball legacy.
"We’re excited for the challenge ahead against Alabama," Duke coach Jon Scheyer said. "This is what March Madness is all about. It’s a chance to compete at the highest level, and our guys are ready to rise to the occasion."
As the tournament progresses, the stakes continue to rise, and the intensity of the competition is palpable. Duke's journey through this year's NCAA tournament has been marked by resilience, skill, and determination. With Cooper Flagg leading the charge, the Blue Devils are poised to make a serious run at the championship.
The road to the Final Four is fraught with challenges, but Duke has shown that they are more than capable of overcoming obstacles. Fans eagerly await the next chapter in this thrilling tournament, as the Blue Devils aim to carve their place in history once again.
