NEW YORK, N.Y. – Duke University faced off against the University of Illinois on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, delivering a resounding 110-67 victory. The match was part of the SentinelOne Classic, marking another significant highlight for the third-ranked Blue Devils, who improved their season record to 24-3.
From the outset, Duke established dominance, never allowing Illinois to gain any foothold. This decisive win showcased the Blue Devils at their best, with balanced scoring and impressive teamwork. Seven different players scored at least 11 points, highlighting the depth of Duke's roster.
Cooper Flagg, the Blue Devils' standout freshman, played just 23 minutes, yet his effectiveness shone through. He finished the game with 16 points, shooting 5-for-10 from the field, including 1-for-1 from beyond the arc. He also contributed seven rebounds and five assists, demonstrating his all-around game and involvement across the court.
The Blue Devils wasted no time asserting themselves. Following halftime, they launched a stunning 21-5 run, signaling their intent to dominate. Flagg's energy was infectious, as he electrified the crowd with dynamic plays, including two highlight-reel dunks, one of which came as he powered through on Illinois' first possession of the second half.
Despite being known for their rebounding this season, Illinois found themselves out-manned on the boards, yielding 44 rebounds to Duke's aggressive front. The Illini struggled offensively, particularly from three-point range, finishing the game with just 2-for-26 shooting from deep, the team's lowest percentage since 2019.
Illini forward Tre White led his team's scoring with 16 points, going 6-for-9 from the field. Kasparas Jakucionis added 14 points, complemented by seven rebounds and six assists, showcasing his versatility. Kylan Boswell and Tomislav Ivisic contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively, but their efforts were not enough to counter Duke's relentless attack.
Commentators were quick to analyze the game, noting Duke's unparalleled scoring ability and well-coordinated team play. "FINAL: No. 3 Duke 110, Illinois 67. So, just a complete drubbing. Duke with seven guys in double figures," summarized Jeff Borzello of ESPN. He added, "Illinois shot 2-for-26 from 3. They've lost three straight and are just 5-8 in their last 13."
With this loss, Illinois now holds a record of 17-11 and highlights the challenges they face as they aim to improve their standing—notably against ranked opponents. This defeat also snapped their streak of three consecutive wins over ranked opponents at Madison Square Garden.
Illinois coach Brad Underwood will need to regroup his team as they return home for their upcoming matchup against Iowa on Tuesday night. The Illini are now facing pressure to perform, especially as they strive to recover their momentum. Meanwhile, Duke is set to visit the Miami Hurricanes on the same day, eager to maintain their winning streak.
Fans across social media expressed their excitement about Cooper Flagg's performance, underscoring his impact on the court. "No one in America can guard or stop Cooper Flagg when he's doing this," tweeted one impressed observer, highlighting the buzz surrounding his potential as he is frequently referenced as the likely No. 1 pick for the upcoming NBA draft.
With this win, the Duke Blue Devils have not only solidified their position as top contenders this season but also provided their fans with exhilarating moments to cherish, particularly from Flagg. The energy and enthusiasm from their performance at Madison Square Garden serve as reminders of the potential this team has as the season progresses. Duke's combination of young talent and depth makes them formidable, leading to exciting expectations for the remainder of the season.