Cooper Flagg is making headlines once again. After a record-setting game against Notre Dame in January, he showed he’s just getting started. In a recent Sweet 16 showdown, Flagg scored 30 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, dished out 7 assists, and blocked 3 shots, leading Duke to a thrilling 100-93 victory over Arizona.
Duke’s coach, Jon Scheyer, was full of praise for Flagg. “That was one of the best tournament performances I’ve ever coached,” he said. With this win, Duke is headed to face Alabama in the Elite Eight.
What makes Flagg’s performance even more impressive? He became the first Duke player with at least 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in an NCAA tournament game since 1984. He achieved this while committing one or no turnovers, a feat that hasn’t been done since Chris Mullin in 1985. According to ESPN research, only one other player, Ed O’Bannon from UCLA, has accomplished this since blocks became an official stat in 1986.
Early in the game, Flagg didn’t dominate the scoreboard, but he quickly found his rhythm. After hitting a few tough shots and racking up points in quick succession, he energized his team. He credited his teammates and coach for putting him in the right positions to succeed, saying he just let the game flow. “Trusting our game plan and my teammates was key,” Flagg noted.
The game had its tense moments. Arizona managed to stay close, but a last-second three-pointer from Flagg gave Duke a crucial six-point lead going into halftime. This turned the momentum firmly in Duke’s favor, allowing them to build an early second-half lead that Arizona couldn’t recover from.
Duke hit the century mark for points for the fifth time this season, shooting impressively at 60% from the field and 58% from three-point range. Their earlier matchup with Arizona in November, which Duke won 69-55, had set the stage for this rematch. Arizona’s coach, Tommy Lloyd, recognized Duke’s consistency and adaptability during the game, emphasizing their ability to execute their game plan effectively. They have sharpened their skills as the season progressed.
On the other side, Arizona’s Caleb Love gave a valiant effort, scoring 35 points. He became the first player since Michael Finley in 1994 to score 35 points without turnovers against a 1-seed team. Love’s performance was especially poignant as it ended his college career, and coach Lloyd couldn’t help but commend him for what he went through to get to this point.
As the tournament continues, both players and teams are stepping into the spotlight. Their performances and persistence not only entertain fans but also create lasting legacies in college basketball. Flagg and Love showcase the heart of the tournament, where each game is packed with opportunity and drama.
With all eyes on Duke as they prepare for Alabama, it’s clear that Flagg is one player to watch closely. Will he continue to impress in the next rounds?
For more on NCAA tournament stats and standout performances, you can visit the NCAA’s official site here.
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