With a jaw-dropping performance, Cooper Flagg set a new standard for ACC freshmen by scoring 42 points in Duke’s 86-78 victory over Notre Dame on Saturday. The 18-year-old phenom, projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, showcased his immense talent alongside a strong supporting cast, keeping Duke undefeated in conference play and atop the ACC standings.
A Historic Night for Flagg at Cameron Indoor
Flagg’s performance was nothing short of a basketball clinic. He shot an impressive 11-of-14 from the field, connected on 4-of-6 three-pointers, and converted an incredible 16-of-17 free throws. Adding seven assists and six rebounds to his stat line, Flagg dominated in all facets of the game, leaving the Notre Dame defense scrambling for answers.
Flagg’s growth as a shooter has been remarkable. Early in the season, his three-point shot was inconsistent, but he has since hit 54.5% of his threes over the last six games. “This was a performance for the ages,” said Duke head coach Jon Scheyer. “Cooper continues to rise to every challenge, and tonight he was simply unstoppable.”
Teammates Step Up to Secure the Win
While Flagg stole the spotlight, Duke’s victory was far from a one-man show. Khaman Maluach, the towering 7-foot-2 freshman, recorded a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, providing a dominant inside presence. Kon Knueppel added 13 points and five assists, complementing the efforts of Flagg and Maluach to keep Notre Dame at bay.
Notre Dame fought valiantly, led by Markus Burton’s 23 points, and shot an impressive 48.2% from the field, including 14-of-23 from beyond the arc. However, their late-game push fell short as Duke’s defense tightened in the final moments.
Duke’s Dominance in the ACC
With this victory, Duke improved to 14-2 overall and 6-0 in ACC play, maintaining their position as the top team in the conference. The Blue Devils have been a force to be reckoned with, winning four of their first five ACC games by margins of 20 points or more. Their defensive efficiency has been a key factor, ranking third nationally according to KenPom, as they continue to stifle opponents with disciplined and versatile play.
Offensively, Duke has leaned heavily on three-point shooting this season, with nearly 48% of their shots coming from beyond the arc—one of the highest rates in the country. This strategy has paid off, thanks to the sharpshooting of players like Kon Knueppel and Isaiah Evans, and the growing confidence of Flagg from deep. “Our ability to stretch the floor has really opened up opportunities for everyone,” said Scheyer.
Key Moments Down the Stretch
Notre Dame clawed back from an 18-point deficit in the second half to make it a two-possession game late, cutting Duke’s lead to 80-76 with just over a minute remaining. However, Flagg stepped up when it mattered most, sinking two crucial free throws to extend the lead. On the next possession, Notre Dame’s Markus Burton missed a contested drive, allowing Duke to regain control. Khaman Maluach sealed the win with two more free throws in the final seconds.
What’s Next for Duke and Notre Dame?
Duke will close out their three-game homestand on Tuesday against Miami, a critical matchup as they aim to solidify their case for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Currently ranked second in the NET rankings, Duke is in a strong position to maintain their dominance both in the ACC and nationally as March approaches.
Notre Dame, now 7-9 overall and 1-4 in ACC play, will look to rebound quickly as they host Boston College on Monday. The Fighting Irish showed flashes of potential with their efficient shooting against Duke but will need to find more consistency to turn their season around.
As the season progresses, all eyes remain on Cooper Flagg and the young core of the Blue Devils. With his record-breaking performances and the depth of talent surrounding him, Duke appears poised for a deep run in March. The question is no longer whether the Blue Devils can dominate the ACC but how far they can go in their quest for a national title.
