In a thrilling showdown on Monday night, the Duke Blue Devils showcased their prowess as they defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons with a commanding score of 93-60. Freshman sensation Cooper Flagg led the charge for Duke, contributing an impressive 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in what could be his last home game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. With this victory, Duke clinched at least a share of the Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season title.
Alongside Flagg, fellow rookie Kon Knueppel added a strong performance with 17 points, solidifying the Blue Devils' dominance on the court. With a record of 27-3 and 18-1 in the ACC, Duke maintained a 13-point lead at halftime and expanded their advantage midway through the second half. Flagg, standing at 6-foot-9 and regarded as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft, exited the game with 3:34 remaining. As he celebrated with head coach Jon Scheyer, the enthusiastic Duke fanbase, known as the “Cameron Crazies,” chanted, “One more year! One more year!”
On the other side, the Demon Deacons faced a setback in their quest for an NCAA tournament bid, having lost three of their last five games against unranked opponents, including two at home. Efton Reid III and Ty-Laur Johnson each scored 14 points for Wake Forest, but their performance was not enough to secure a vital Quadrant 1 win, as they were met with chants of “NIT! NIT!” from the Duke fans.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred when Duke led 47-38, then went on a spectacular 18-3 run. This included a series of three-pointers, starting with Sion James, followed by back-to-back threes from Mason Gillis, extending Duke’s lead to 65-41. This explosive stretch showcased Duke's offensive firepower and ability to seize control of the game.
Duke's shooting was particularly noteworthy, as they shot 53.8% after halftime and made 8 of 19 attempts from beyond the arc, culminating in a total of 14 three-pointers for the game. This efficient shooting played a crucial role in their decisive victory over Wake Forest, reinforcing their status as a top contender in the ACC.
As the regular season comes to a close, both teams are set to play their final games on Saturday. The Demon Deacons will host Georgia Tech, while the Blue Devils will travel to face their long-time rival, North Carolina. With crucial implications for postseason positioning, fans can expect high-stakes action as both teams aim to finish strong.
