Duke Dazzles in Dominant Win Over Virginia: Flagg Stars in 80-62 Victory
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — February 17, 2025 — Freshman sensation Cooper Flagg was nothing short of spectacular as he led No. 3 Duke to a resounding 80-62 victory over Virginia on Monday night. Flagg put up an impressive 17 points and 14 rebounds before halftime, marking his seventh double-double of the season. The Blue Devils (23-3, 15-1 ACC) never looked back after a fast start, handing the Cavaliers (13-13, 6-9) their fourth loss in the last six games.
A Stellar Performance from Flagg
Flagg’s dominance was on full display, as he efficiently shot the ball and made his presence felt on both ends of the floor. His ability to impact the game before halftime left no doubt that he was ready to take on any challenge. Along with Flagg, sophomore guard Kon Knueppel contributed 17 points, and the Blue Devils shot 53% from the field, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Duke’s rebounding was another key factor in the win, as they held a commanding 41-21 edge on the boards. Virginia struggled to contain Duke’s offensive attack, with their defense unable to keep up with the athleticism of the Blue Devils, who outpaced them in nearly every aspect of the game.
Virginia’s Struggles Amidst a Late-Season Push
Despite a strong recent run with three consecutive wins, Virginia simply couldn’t match Duke’s firepower. Andrew Rohde led the Cavaliers with 15 points, while Dai Dai Ames added another 15 to reach double figures for the fifth consecutive game. However, the Cavaliers’ lack of defensive depth proved to be a major factor in their downfall, unable to slow down the Blue Devils’ scoring onslaught.
The game’s key moment came in the first half when Flagg’s sensational block on Taine Murray’s potential back-door layup highlighted Duke’s defensive dominance. That defensive stand quickly turned into a 3-pointer from Tyrese Proctor, part of a 16-2 run that gave Duke a comfortable 27-14 lead with just over eight minutes remaining in the first half.
Key Stats: A Rivalry Redefined
The matchup between these two powerhouse teams has been one of the most intense rivalries in the ACC over the past decade. However, this game ended a streak of tight contests, with no Virginia-Duke game between 2012-2023 featuring a margin larger than 10 points. The Blue Devils’ victory marked the second straight dominant performance against Virginia, having won 73-48 in last season’s meeting.
Looking Ahead
Duke will now shift their focus to a nonconference showdown with Illinois at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night, while Virginia will travel to North Carolina for another tough ACC clash.
Key Takeaways:
- Cooper Flagg shines with a double-double performance.
- Duke’s Defense and Offense overwhelm Virginia.
- Virginia’s Late-Season Surge stalls against a superior Duke team.
- Duke’s Upcoming Matchup: A showdown with Illinois at Madison Square Garden.
Follow along as Duke looks to extend their impressive form while Virginia hopes to regroup against a tough North Carolina squad.
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