In a thrilling NCAA Tournament showdown, Duke standout Cooper Flagg stole the spotlight with a series of jaw-dropping plays, leading his team to a narrow 100-93 victory over the Arizona Wildcats. Flagg's highlight reel featured an incredible three-pointer from just in front of the logo at the halftime buzzer, a dazzling no-look pass for an alley-oop, and a critical blocked shot that sent the ball flying into the row of Arizona cheerleaders. His stellar performance was crucial in fending off a fierce rally from the Wildcats and their formidable nemesis, Caleb Love. This win propels the Blue Devils closer to the coveted Final Four.
Flagg finished the game with an impressive stat line: 30 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks, marking what many consider his most significant college victory to date. Duke's head coach, Jon Scheyer, praised Flagg's performance, stating, “That’s one of the best tournament performances I’ve ever coached or been a part of,” highlighting the magnitude of the moment.
On the opposing side, Caleb Love, who has consistently been a thorn in Duke's side over the past five years, delivered a remarkable performance of his own. He scored 35 points, just shy of his career high, including an astonishing streak of 15 consecutive points during a second-half surge that cut a 19-point deficit to just five with 1:56 remaining in the game. Despite Love's efforts, it was the top-seeded Blue Devils (34-3) who emerged victorious.
With this victory, Duke now prepares for a highly anticipated 1-vs.-2 matchup against Alabama in the East Region on Saturday. Alabama recently made headlines by setting a March Madness record for three-pointers in a staggering 113-88 win over BYU. A win against Alabama would secure Duke's place in the Final Four for the 18th time, adding to the storied legacy of the program.
In a twist of fate, Flagg's performance not only ended Love's college career but also showcased why he is a top contender for the NBA Draft should he choose to declare. Coach Scheyer emphasized the importance of Flagg being himself: “What I’ve wanted from him was not to defer. Just wanted him to fully be him. I thought he was in his element tonight.”
As Arizona fought to close the gap, the game saw a pivotal moment when Carter Bryant hit a three-pointer, bringing the Wildcats within five points with just under two minutes left. However, Flagg sealed the victory for Duke by making three of four free throws, contributing to the team's impressive 9 of 10 from the charity stripe during the final moments. Arizona's coach, Tommy Lloyd, acknowledged Duke's offensive prowess, stating, “They were a machine on offense.”
The game was filled with unforgettable moments, including:
A stunning three-pointer by Flagg at the buzzer to end the first half, followed by his enthusiastic cheer as he headed to the locker room with Duke leading 48-42. A no-look, spinning pass to Sion James that resulted in an open three-pointer early in the second half, which helped Duke build a 19-point lead. Two spectacular alley-oops, showcasing Flagg's playmaking ability, one to Khaman Maluach and another to Kon Knueppel. A massive block of Arizona guard KJ Lewis, preventing a crucial score that could have narrowed the lead further.Caleb Love's journey came to an end, but not without an impressive farewell. Although he missed his first three shots, he recovered to finish 11 for 21, including five three-pointers, keeping Arizona competitive. Coach Lloyd commended Love, saying, “He’s had an amazing career and I’m so excited for his future.”
As the tournament progresses, Duke looks to continue their winning streak while fans eagerly await the next thrilling chapter in this year's NCAA Tournament.
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