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Have you ever witnessed a performance that left everyone in awe? That's exactly what happened when Cooper Flagg delivered a stunning showcase during Duke's Sweet 16 matchup against Arizona. With a jaw-dropping 30 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 blocks, Flagg not only propelled his team to a 100-93 victory but also etched his name in the NCAA tournament history books.
Flagg’s standout performance comes after an already stellar season where he had scored 42 points against an opponent earlier in the year, setting an ACC record and earning serious Player of the Year consideration. But what we saw on that court in Newark, New Jersey, transcended even those expectations. Duke head coach Jon Scheyer praised Flagg’s performance, calling it one of the best he has ever witnessed. Such accolades are not given lightly, especially in the high-pressure environment of a tournament where every game could be a team’s last.
In the first half of the game, Flagg started softly, accumulating just three points in the first 12 minutes. However, like any great athlete, he found his rhythm. By scoring back-to-back layups and a series of tough shots, Flagg became an unstoppable force on the court. He attributed his success to trusting his teammates and the game plan laid out by his coach, stating, "I think just playing with really good energy, trusting our game plan, trusting my teammates. They put me in some really good spots tonight."
Duke was in a tight contest with Arizona, with both teams exchanging leads. However, the turning point came just before halftime when Flagg hit a three-pointer from well beyond the arc, giving Duke a sudden six-point advantage. This was one of many critical moments that helped Duke establish control in the second half. The Blue Devils began the third quarter with a 14-5 run, building a lead that Arizona never quite managed to overcome. Duke’s precision shooting was evident as they shot 60% from the field, a staggering 58% from three, and an impressive 85% from the free-throw line throughout the game.
What sets Cooper Flagg apart is his ability to perform under pressure while putting up mind-boggling stats. He became the first Duke player to achieve 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in a tournament game since assists became official in 1984. Moreover, he stands alongside only one other player, UCLA’s Ed O'Bannon from 1994, in achieving at least 30 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks in the tournament era. Flagg’s efficiency is noteworthy as he accomplished this with just one turnover—a feat last matched by the legendary Chris Mullin in 1985.
Looking ahead, Duke’s next challenge lies in the hands of Alabama, but if Flagg's recent performance is any indication, the Blue Devils are primed for further success. With his poise, skill, and dedication, Cooper Flagg is not just a star player for Duke; he’s quickly becoming a household name in college basketball.
In conclusion, whether you’re a die-hard Blue Devils fan or just a basketball enthusiast, Flagg’s latest performance is a reminder of the magic that can happen in NCAA basketball. He’s not just playing the game; he’s setting the stage for what could be a legendary career. Will he lead Duke further into the tournament? Only time will tell, but if this performance was any indication, the sky's the limit for Cooper Flagg.
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