The No. 2 Duke Blue Devils showcased their resilience and depth in a commanding 100-65 victory over the Florida State Seminoles. This win, however, didn’t come without its challenges. Duke had to navigate the absence of junior guard Tyrese Proctor due to a knee injury, and a temporary setback when freshman sensation Cooper Flagg suffered an eye injury early in the game. Despite these hurdles, the Blue Devils demonstrated their ability to adapt and dominate, securing their 26th win of the season.
This game highlighted the team’s ‘next man up’ mentality, with several players stepping up to fill the void left by key absences. Coach Jon Scheyer emphasized the importance of team unity and individual contributions in overcoming adversity, praising the players who seized the opportunity to shine.
Isaiah Evans’ Impressive First Start
Freshman forward Isaiah Evans stepped into the starting lineup in place of the injured Tyrese Proctor and made an immediate impact. Although he missed his initial 3-point attempts, Evans quickly found his rhythm, contributing significantly to Duke’s offensive efforts. Key plays from Kon Knueppel and an alley-oop connection between Flagg and Khaman Maluach helped Duke establish an early lead.
Evans’ performance was a testament to his readiness and the coaching staff’s confidence in his abilities. His contributions extended beyond scoring, as he also played a role in Duke’s defensive intensity and rebounding efforts.
Duke Responds to Cooper Flagg’s Injury
The momentum shifted temporarily when Cooper Flagg suffered an eye injury and had to leave the game. Florida State capitalized, narrowing Duke’s lead. However, Duke’s supporting cast responded emphatically with a 14-0 run, fueled by two Mason Gillis three-pointers and Evans’ first deep-range make. This surge showcased Duke’s depth and ability to maintain control even without their star player.
The lineup of Knueppel, Evans, Gillis, Darren Harris, and Patrick Ngongba II proved effective on both ends of the court, extending Duke’s lead. Harris, in particular, made the most of his increased playing time, rewarding Coach Scheyer’s confidence with a tough layup.
Coach Scheyer has been in my ear the last couple of days with Tyrese being out. This season has been great for the team and all, but it’s new for me not playing a lot, not knowing when my number is gonna be called. But [Scheyer] really instilled confidence in me. – Darren Harris
Balanced Effort Leads to First-Half Dominance
Duke’s first-half performance was a testament to their balanced attack and relentless effort. Despite missing key players, the Blue Devils dominated on the glass, securing numerous second-chance opportunities. No single player reached double-digit points in the first half, yet six players contributed at least four points, highlighting the team’s collective strength.
The Blue Devils also achieved a rare feat, committing zero turnovers in the opening period, demonstrating their focus and discipline. This collective effort allowed Duke to build a substantial lead and maintain control of the game.
Flagg’s Triumphant Return
Cooper Flagg returned to the game at the start of the second period, displaying his determination and impact. Despite being bloodied and bruised, Flagg resumed his dominant play on both ends of the court. He finished the game with 16 points, six rebounds, and four assists, underscoring his status as a National Player of the Year contender and a likely future No. 1 overall NBA draft pick.
Flagg’s presence elevated Duke’s performance and provided a spark for the team. His contributions were crucial in maintaining Duke’s lead and securing the victory.
Duke Seals the Victory in the Second Half
In the second half, Duke continued to capitalize on their depth and balanced attack. Flagg and Maluach connected for a highlight-reel alley-oop, while Knueppel’s and-one play sent the crowd into a frenzy. Coach Scheyer continued to utilize his team’s depth, giving significant minutes to Ngongba and Harris.
Duke maintained their comfortable lead with steady offense and elite rebounding, with Maluach leading the way with 10 rebounds. Evans finished as Duke’s leading scorer, achieving a career-high 19 points in his starting debut.
I think [this was] a response just to the evolution of the season. We really focus on making sure we get better each week. We’re getting better every game and the team has really embraced that. It’s been a different way of winning, while still having the sharing on offense and the competitiveness on defense. – Jon Scheyer
Looking Ahead
The Duke Blue Devils honored Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton before the game, marking his final season after 23 years. With this victory, Duke looks forward to their last home game of the season against Wake Forest, aiming to extend their winning streak before the season finale against North Carolina.
This game underscored Duke’s resilience, depth, and ability to overcome adversity. With key players stepping up and Cooper Flagg leading the way, the Blue Devils are poised for continued success as they approach the postseason.
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