Cooper Flagg, the 6’8″ freshman forward, led No. 4 Duke to a dominant 76-47 victory over Pittsburgh on Saturday, continuing their flawless ACC run. The win pushed Duke’s record to an impressive 15-1 overall and 5-0 in the ACC, maintaining their position near the top of the college basketball rankings. Flagg’s all-around performance played a key role in the Blue Devils’ commanding win, showcasing why he is widely regarded as one of the most promising young players in college basketball.

 

Duke started the game with a strong defensive presence, limiting Pittsburgh’s offensive options and applying pressure early. Flagg, with his elite defensive instincts, helped set the tone, blocking shots, securing rebounds, and altering Pittsburgh’s offensive flow. Throughout the game, he demonstrated the full range of his skill set, from scoring efficiently to making high-impact plays on both ends of the court. His ability to read the game and make quick decisions allowed Duke to build an insurmountable lead.

 

Flagg finished the game with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks, displaying his versatility as a scorer and defender. His presence in the paint was a constant issue for Pittsburgh, who struggled to score inside against Duke’s towering defense. Flagg’s rebounding ability, in particular, stood out, as he grabbed crucial boards on both ends of the floor, helping his team maintain control of the game. His scoring was also crucial, hitting key mid-range shots, finishing at the rim, and contributing to the Blue Devils’ fast-break opportunities.

 

Duke’s offense flowed seamlessly, with Flagg facilitating the ball movement and creating open shots for his teammates. Alongside Flagg, other key players like Jeremy Roach and Tyrese Proctor also had standout performances. Roach provided an efficient scoring punch, contributing 15 points and providing leadership in the backcourt, while Proctor added 11 points and 6 assists, showcasing his playmaking ability.

 

Pittsburgh struggled to gain any traction offensively, shooting a mere 31% from the field and 24% from beyond the arc. Duke’s defense was suffocating, as they forced 16 turnovers and limited Pittsburgh to only 47 points. The Panthers found it difficult to establish any rhythm, as Duke’s athleticism and defensive intensity were simply too much for them to handle. Despite some individual efforts from Pittsburgh’s top players, including a team-high 14 points from guard Jamarius Burton, the Panthers were unable to mount any serious challenge.

 

Duke’s balanced attack and exceptional defense were evident as they held a commanding 39-21 lead at halftime. In the second half, the Blue Devils continued to control the tempo, making sure that Pittsburgh never had a chance to close the gap. With every passing minute, Duke’s lead grew, and by the time the final buzzer sounded, the Blue Devils had secured a convincing 29-point victory.

 

This win is another statement of Duke’s dominance in the ACC, and Cooper Flagg’s performance only solidifies his reputation as one of the most exciting players in college basketball. With the win, Duke stays firmly in the hunt for a top seed in the NCAA tournament, and as long as Flagg and his teammates continue to play at this level, they will remain a major contender throughout the rest of the season.