On February 22, 2025, the third-ranked Duke Blue Devils faced off against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Madison Square Garden, marking a significant late-season non-conference matchup. The anticipation was palpable as both teams aimed to improve their NCAA Tournament resumes at this iconic venue.
The Blue Devils are known for their impressive track record at Madison Square Garden, boasting more victories there than at any arena outside of North Carolina, with a remarkable 41-18 history. Their coach, Jon Scheyer, was eager to test his team against the quality of a formidable Big Ten opponent and add another win to their impressive season.
With the regular season nearing its end, the stakes were high for both squads. Duke entered the contest with a stellar 23-3 record and had been thriving, particularly after defeating Virginia 80-62 just days before. Illinois, on the other hand, had struggled recently, sitting at 17-10, and was battling to regain momentum after losses to Michigan State and Wisconsin.
From the opening tip, Duke established dominance, quickly taking control of the game. They ended the first half leading 54-37, with their offense firing on all cylinders. Freshman phenom Cooper Flagg kicked things off by making his presence felt on both ends of the court, snatching rebounds and playing formidable defense. His teammate, Sion James, sank two early three-pointers, setting the tone for Duke's hot shooting performance.
While Duke thrived, Illinois couldn’t seem to find their rhythm. Coming off of the game, they were shooting just 31.2% from three-point range, one of the poorest marks nationally. Their struggles continued against Duke, as they found themselves missing all 16 of their attempts from beyond the arc during the first half. Will Riley’s near-miss, which circled the rim before falling away, epitomized their shooting woes.
Both teams fought fiercely for points in the paint, but their approaches differed. Illinois initially succeeded with pick-and-roll plays, securing some open shots inside. Still, Duke countered with aggressive drives and second-chance opportunities, leading to more efficient scoring. By halftime, Duke held a 14-4 advantage on second-chance points, significantly contributing to their lead.
Hindered by injury, Illinois was without key player Maliq Brown, whose absence was felt as the game progressed. Brown suffered a left shoulder dislocation earlier and faced significant downtime, which impacted Illinois's capability inside against Duke’s towering lineup.
Heading to the second half, the Blue Devils seized control of the game, capitalizing on their rebounding advantage and defensive intensity. Duke's aggressive play kept the pressure on Illinois, who struggled to adapt as they started the half trailing by 17. The Illini’s shooting woes persisted, which allowed Duke to extend their lead significantly, leading to tensions mounting among the Illinois players and fans.
Despite all efforts, Illinois found themselves outmatched, stumbling through the remainder of the game and failing to establish any momentum. They managed only three baskets from outside the arc for the entire game, demonstrating the significant gap between the two teams. Duke effectively controlled the glass and showcased their depth with six players scoring in double figures, which highlighted their balanced offense.
Cooper Flagg, the potential number one pick for the upcoming NBA draft, remained mostly contained during the game but still made contributions with key baskets, demonstrating why he is held in such high regard. Other players also shone, with Isaiah Evans and Tyrese Proctor providing additional firepower.
By the final buzzer, Duke had decisively triumphed over Illinois with an impressive scoreline of 85-51, marking another successful outing at Madison Square Garden. This game not only solidified their outlook for March Madness but also showcased the difficulties Illinois must navigate as they seek to secure their place within the NCAA Tournament.
With this performance, Duke assured their fans of their championship credentials, as they prepared for the challenges of the postseason, leaving Illinois to reflect on necessary adjustments before their upcoming games.