In a highly anticipated matchup, No. 3 Duke showcased their dominance as they cruised past Virginia with a final score of 80-62 on Monday night. Freshman standout Cooper Flagg delivered an outstanding performance, recording 17 points and 14 rebounds, securing his seventh double-double of the season before halftime.
The Blue Devils, with a record of 23-3 overall and 15-1 in the ACC, have been on a winning streak, claiming victory in three consecutive games since their sole conference loss to No. 18 Clemson on February 8. Kon Knueppel also contributed 17 points to Duke's winning effort.
On the other side, the Cavaliers, with a record of 13-13 overall and 6-9 in the ACC, were led by Andrew Rohde, who tallied 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists in the game.
Despite the Cavaliers' recent success with three straight wins and four victories in their last five games, they struggled to contain Duke's offensive firepower. The Blue Devils shot an impressive 53% from the field and outrebounded Virginia 41-21, ensuring they maintained control throughout the game.
One of the key moments in the game came when Rohde set up a play for Taine Murray, only to have Flagg make a crucial defensive stop with a block. Duke capitalized on the momentum, going on a 16-2 run that helped them establish a commanding lead of 27-14 with 8:19 remaining in the first half.
Looking ahead, Duke will face Illinois in a nonconference matchup at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday night, while Virginia is set to play against North Carolina in their next game.
This game marked a departure from the closely contested matchups between Virginia and Duke in recent years, with the Blue Devils' 80-62 victory showcasing their dominance on the court. Duke's strong performance and Flagg's standout play have solidified their position as a force to be reckoned with in the ACC.
