NEWARK, N.J. -- The basketball world has been captivated by freshman phenom Cooper Flagg ever since he scored an astounding 42 points against Notre Dame in January, setting an ACC record and solidifying his candidacy for Player of the Year. However, his performance on Thursday night took everyone by surprise, as Flagg led the Duke Blue Devils to a thrilling 100-93 victory over Arizona in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament. Flagg finished the game with an impressive tally of 30 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 blocks.
After the game, Duke coach Jon Scheyer praised Flagg's performance, stating, "That was one of the best tournament performances I've ever coached or been a part of." Looking ahead, the Blue Devils are set to face Alabama on Saturday in the Elite Eight.
Cooper Flagg's performance on Thursday night was exceptional and historic. He became the first Duke player to record 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in an NCAA tournament game since assists became an official statistic in 1984, according to ESPN Research. Moreover, Flagg is only the second player in NCAA tournament history to achieve at least 30 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks in a game since blocks became an official statistic in 1986, joining UCLA's Ed O'Bannon who accomplished this feat in 1994.
Adding to his remarkable achievements, Flagg also became the first player to achieve 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists with one or fewer turnovers since Chris Mullin in 1985. Scheyer highlighted Flagg's mindset, saying, "He just did what he was supposed to do... He was in his element tonight." Flagg's ability to stay focused and relaxed contributed to his outstanding performance on the court.
Initially, Flagg's offensive impact was limited, as he recorded just three points in the first 12 minutes of the game. However, after scoring back-to-back layups and making a couple of tough shots, Flagg's confidence surged. "I think just playing with really good energy, trusting our game plan, trusting my teammates," Flagg mentioned, attributing his success to the support from his coach and teammates.
The game was tightly contested for the first 19 and a half minutes, with both teams exchanging baskets. Just as Arizona was poised to go into halftime tied at 42, a pivotal moment occurred. Kon Knueppel hit a three-pointer, and after a missed shot by Caleb Love, Duke's Mason Gillis secured the rebound and found Flagg. With time expiring, Flagg launched a shot from several feet behind the three-point line, sinking it as the buzzer sounded. This dramatic play transformed a potential tie into a six-point lead for Duke going into halftime. Following the break, Duke quickly extended their lead to 15 points, putting the game out of Arizona's reach.
Duke's offensive performance was nothing short of spectacular, as they scored 100 points for the fifth time this season and the fourth time since mid-February. The Blue Devils showcased their shooting prowess, hitting an impressive 60% from the field, 58% from beyond the arc, and 85% from the free-throw line. This victory marked Duke's second win over Arizona this season, having previously defeated them 69-55 in November.
Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd acknowledged Duke's offensive strategy, stating, "They're a team that they come down, they have a plan, they know what they want to get, and they're able to get to it consistently." He highlighted the improvement of Duke's younger players as well as the contributions from veterans like Tyrese Proctor and Sion James.
Caleb Love played his final game in college basketball and delivered a stellar performance, scoring 35 points and keeping Arizona competitive throughout the second half. Love's efforts made him the first player to score 35 points with no turnovers against a 1-seed in the NCAA tournament since Michael Finley in 1994. Moreover, he became the second player in NCAA tournament history to achieve a 30-point game with two different teams.
Tommy Lloyd expressed admiration for Love, stating, "Caleb is a great person... I hope everybody takes a step back... and give this guy a real chance because he's special." Love's journey through ups and downs has shaped him into a remarkable player, leaving a lasting impact on the tournament.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Cooper Flagg and the Duke Blue Devils as they aim for continued success in the NCAA tournament.
