College basketball saw some thrilling action over the weekend, with standout performances and pivotal outcomes shaking up the sports scene. The spotlight was primarily on freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, who has become the talk of the town as his Duke Blue Devils showcased their dominance against the Illinois Fighting Illini.
Playing at Madison Square Garden—a venue renowned for its electrifying atmosphere—the Blue Devils thrashed Illinois with an astonishing score of 110-67. Flagg, the star of the game, posted 16 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, all within just 23 minutes on the court. With about 50 professional scouts present, hopes for Flagg’s future were palpable. Illinois coach Brad Underwood expressed concerns about Flagg potentially leaving for the NBA, noting, “I hope he stays. I mean, if I’m the NCAA or the ACC, I’m figuring out an NIL deal to keep... Because he’s everything...right about our game.”
Duke’s victory not only marked their highest point tally since late 2018 but also highlighted the Blue Devils' eighth consecutive win at The Garden, thrilling their fans who chanted “Our house! Our house!” after the jaw-dropping match. Flagg reflected on the experience, stating, “I thought it was an incredible atmosphere. Just loved the energy. Saw so much blue in the crowd.” The lopsided nature of the loss for Illinois marked the most crushing defeat since the program's inception. Underwood did not shy away from praising Flagg’s skills, asserting he’s probably the best player currently, amplifying the already soaring expectations surrounding the young player.
Meanwhile, the N.C. State Wolfpack pulled off one of the most heart-stopping games of the weekend, overcoming the nation's top-ranked Fighting Irish of Notre Dame 104-95 during double overtime. Zoe Brooks claimed the spotlight with her career-high 33 points, including several key plays, as N.C. State’s victory ended Notre Dame's 19-game winning streak. The match featured 21 lead changes, embodying the fierce competition and ebb and flow of the matchup. Aziaha James also added value to the victory with 20 points, including one spectacular back-hand layup during the game, showcasing the talents of both teams.
Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo led her team with 26 points, but the Wolfpack pulled away in the second overtime, starting with a 10-0 run. The momentum shift showcased N.C. State’s grit as they denied the Irish the chance to claim the ACC title prematurely. The Wolfpack’s victory maintained their hopes for the title, highlighting just how competitive the ACC has become this season.
Shifting focus to the NBA, the Brooklyn Nets secured their win against the Philadelphia 76ers after clinching it at the buzzer. Nic Claxton’s tip-in secured the 105-103 victory, igniting jubilation among the Nets’ fans. Tyrese Maxey had tied the game late with a three-pointer, making the final moments intensely nerve-racking. Claxton’s last-second heroics capped off the magic, ensuring they'd escape with the win. Maxey led Philadelphia with 31 points, but his team fell short as the Nets converted 75% of their shots during the first quarter to establish early control.
Lastly, another significant subplot unfolded at Indiana’s Assembly Hall, where Hoosiers coach Mike Woodson honored his mentor, the late Bob Knight, during their match against rival Purdue. Employing his own red plastic chair as part of the tribute, Woodson stirred nostalgia among fans by recounting Knight’s notorious chair toss incident from 1985, which remains infamous among basketball lore. Indiana triumphed over Purdue with a score of 73-58, invigorated by this sentimental gesture, as fans embraced the legacy of one of college basketball’s most well-known figures.
The intertwining narratives of freshman wonders, coaching legacies, and nail-biting finishes highlight the passion and unpredictability of college basketball. With pivotal games behind and upcoming matchups on the horizon, fans can only look forward to more exhilarating performances and the potential for history to repeat itself this season.