After each Duke men's basketball game this season, check back here for the Player of the Game and more. It was a heartbreaker for the Blue Devils, who fell late to No. 19 Kentucky, and the Blue Zone breaks down the game:
One player: Cooper Flagg
Although Duke ultimately fell short to the Wildcats Tuesday night, the 5-star freshman delivered a performance that further solidified his status as one of college basketball’s most promising prospects. Flagg’s performance against Kentucky proved historic, as the freshman became the first Duke player with 50 points, 25 rebounds and 10 assists through his first three career games in the last 40 years.
Flagg’s first-half showing was particularly impressive. With a mix of high-powered, aggressive drives to the basket and calculated jump shots, the young star proved to have competitive drive against a well-developed Wildcat group. He finished the game with 26 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks, showing off his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. Flagg's rebounding prowess was on full display as he consistently fought for position, snatching crucial balls in traffic. On the defensive end, his shot-blocking ability was a standout feature, as he provided a strong interior presence.
One word: Shooting
Duke’s inability to find its shooting touch ultimately led to its timely demise. As a team, the Blue Devils managed a poor 3-point performance, going 4-of-23 from deep. This staggering statistic is reflective of their shooting woes, as they were unable to convert when it mattered most. Shooting issues were especially prominent for key players like freshman Kon Knueppel. Knueppel, who struggled mightily from the field, finished the night going 5-for-20 overall, and only 1-for-8 from behind the arc. His performance underscored the team's collective inability to knock down shots in critical moments.
Kentucky’s defense, led by junior guard Otega Oweh and a disciplined frontcourt, made it difficult for the Blue Devils to get clean looks in the paint, and it often forced contested or hurried attempts. As the game progressed, Duke’s offensive efficiency continued to dip, and the Blue Devils failed to execute in key moments.
One stat: 2 Turnovers in 20 seconds
For Flagg, the last two minutes of the game were a tell of age. The 17-year old fell to the pressure. With the game tied at 72, Duke looked to its star freshman to seize control, but Flagg’s composure faltered. After receiving the ball, he was stripped by Oweh, who then drew a foul in transition. The Wildcats were sent to the charity stripe. Down by two, the Blue Devils had one last chance to reclaim the lead. Once again, the ball found its way into Flagg’s hands — but this time, his attempt to drive was stopped once again, as he lost control and the ball rolled out of bounds. With just five seconds remaining and no way to regain possession, the game slipped away from Duke.
Flagg’s inexperience in those final moments was evident, as Kentucky's defense learned to exploit his youth. While the freshman’s potential remains undeniable, these late-game turnovers were costly.
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