As the NCAA Tournament kicks off, all eyes are on the Duke Blue Devils, particularly after a triumphant run in the ACC tournament, where they secured the title. Duke's head coach, Jon Scheyer, has led the team with remarkable prestige, steering them to a stunning 31-3 record as they prepare to face Mount St. Mary’s on March 21, 2025, at 2:50 PM on CBS.
Duke enters this match labeled as the number one seed and is anticipated to be a formidable opponent given their recent performance. The Blue Devils come into the tournament with a net rating of 38.16, the second-highest in KenPom's history since the 1996-97 season, just shy of the 43.01 achieved by the 1998-99 team.
On the court, Duke's impressive statistics are hard to overlook. They are leading the nation in scoring margin at +20.8 points per game and rank among the top five in critical areas such as assist-to-turnover ratio and effective field goal percentage. The team’s defensive prowess is just as commendable, with a scoring defense allowing only 61.9 points per game. Experts view the Blue Devils not just as a high-octane offense but also as a robust hindrance to opponents looking to score.
Among the key players on the squad is Cooper Flagg, who has emerged as a frontrunner for the 2025 NBA Draft. He has been sensational this season, averaging 19 points, 7.5 rebounds, and leading the team in various yet crucial categories. His presence on the court was threatened due to a left ankle injury sustained during the ACC quarterfinal match against Georgia Tech on March 13. The injury, which initially appeared concerning, has been confirmed to be non-serious, as Duke officials announced Flagg would be back in action for the game against Mount St. Mary’s, bolstering Duke's chances of advancing in the tournament.
“I’m feeling pretty good,” Flagg stated, expressing confidence in his recovery and readiness for the upcoming game. Following an X-ray that ruled out any fractures, he has participated in practice and is aiming to make an impact against the Mountaineers. His enthusiasm and determination are indicative of the strong camaraderie and resilience within this Duke team.
Duke's success this season is not just attributed to individual talents like Flagg but also the collective team effort. They have won 27 of their last 28 games, including a noteworthy ACC championship game where they beat Louisville 73-62, their 23rd title in the conference. Young stars like Kon Knueppel have taken center stage, as he recently earned the MVP title for the ACC Tournament, showcasing the depth present on the bench.
Mount St. Mary’s stands as Duke’s opponent fresh off a successful victory against American in the NCAA First Four, winning 83-72, and claimed their first MAAC title. With a record of 23-12, they pose a challenge but will be heavily outmatched according to analysts and oddsmakers who positioned Duke as 32.5-point favorites for this encounter.
In terms of historical context, Duke's remarkable NCAA tournament statistics speak volumes about their legacy. They hold an all-time NCAA tournament record of 122-41 (.748), with a solid 54-10 (.844) as a number one seed. This year marks their 47th appearance, having made an impressive mark on college basketball history across the decades.
The Duke-Mount St. Mary’s matchup represents not only a continuation of Duke’s storied tournament legacy but also a chance for young talents like Flagg and Knueppel to shine on a national stage. Scheyer's approach and the team's preparation have gotten them here, and they will aim to build on their momentum with a win as they look ahead to the subsequent rounds of the tournament.
The pressure is palpable as the game draws closer, illustrating a classic NCAA scenario where stakes are high, and champions are made. As the Blue Devils take to the court, fans will be hoping for another impressive performance as the stakes rise in this exciting tournament.
