Cooper Flagg Propels Duke to the Brink of the Final Four with Electrifying March Madness Performance
NEWARK, N.J. — Cooper Flagg just put the entire college basketball world on notice. With a jaw-dropping performance in Duke’s 100-93 victory over Arizona in the Sweet 16, the freshman phenom showcased why he’s one of the most electrifying talents in the NCAA tournament.
A First-Half Buzzer-Beater Sparks Duke's Momentum
As the first half wound down, Flagg delivered a moment that set the tone for the night. With seven seconds left, Mason Gillis secured a defensive rebound and tossed the ball to Flagg, who raced upcourt and launched a deep three-pointer just ahead of the March Madness logo. The shot found nothing but net, sending the Prudential Center into a frenzy and giving Duke a 48-42 halftime lead.
“Let’s (expletive) go, man!” Flagg shouted as he led the Blue Devils into the locker room, knowing full well that his team had just seized control.
Flagg's Dominance in the Second Half
The second half saw Flagg take complete control. Duke quickly extended its lead to 62-47, fueled by Flagg’s free throws and three consecutive assists. Freshman guard Kon Knueppel called it the turning point of the game, and from there, Duke never looked back.
Flagg finished with 30 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, making him the first player since Dwyane Wade in 2003 to record at least 25 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three blocks in a tournament game.
“That was one of the best tournament performances I've ever coached or been a part of,” Duke coach Jon Scheyer said. “What I've wanted from him is not to defer. I've just wanted him to fully be him, and tonight, he was.”
A Historic Night for Duke’s Freshman Star
Flagg’s performance wasn’t just impressive—it was historic. Coming off an ankle injury suffered in the ACC tournament, he had been eased back into the lineup. But against Arizona, he reminded everyone why he’s one of the top NBA prospects in college basketball.
His scoring versatility was on full display:
✅ 3-of-5 from three-point range
✅ 9-of-10 from the free-throw line
✅ Buckets in transition, isolation, and off screens
“He’s gotten so much better since we played them in November,” Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd admitted. “His shooting stroke and playmaking are at another level.”
Looking Ahead: Duke vs. Alabama in the Elite Eight
Next up for Duke is a matchup against No. 2 Alabama, fresh off a record-breaking 25 three-pointers in a 113-88 win over BYU. But as much firepower as the Crimson Tide possesses, they’ll have to deal with a nightmare matchup in Flagg.
“We trust our game plan and each other,” Flagg said postgame. “I’m just making the right plays and letting the game happen.”
With Flagg leading the charge, the Blue Devils are on the cusp of their first national championship since 2015. Alabama may stand in their way, but as Duke fans would say—when you have Cooper Flagg, and your opponent doesn’t, that’s the ultimate advantage.
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