Cooper Flagg once again proved why he’s one of the most exciting players in college basketball. On Saturday night, the freshman sensation scored 28 points, leading No. 3 Duke to a commanding 88-63 victory over Boston College. Despite a slow start — missing four of his first five shots — Flagg settled in and delivered a dominant performance that helped the Blue Devils extend their winning streak to 12 games.
The game marked a special occasion for Flagg, as it was his first college appearance in New England since leaving his home state of Maine to join the powerhouse program at Duke. The sellout crowd at Conte Forum was packed with basketball fans eager to catch a glimpse of the young phenom, with pro scouts in attendance and plenty of Duke supporters making their presence felt.
Supporting Cast Shines Alongside Flagg
While Flagg stole the show, he wasn’t the only Blue Devil to have a big night. Sophomore guard Tyrese Proctor delivered an impressive performance, scoring 20 points and consistently finding ways to contribute on both ends of the court.
The Blue Devils, now 16-2 overall and a perfect 8-0 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, showed why they’re considered one of the most well-rounded teams in the country. Their balanced attack, efficient ball movement, and suffocating defense have made them a nightmare matchup for any opponent.
For Boston College, Chad Venning led the way with 19 points. However, the Eagles struggled to keep up with Duke’s relentless pace, particularly in the second half. The loss dropped Boston College to 9-9 overall and 1-5 in ACC play.
Duke Dominates After Slow Start
Boston College came out strong in the first half, much to the delight of the home crowd. The Eagles controlled the game for the first 15 minutes, leading 18-11 midway through the opening period. Their defense forced Duke into tough shots, while their offense capitalized on opportunities in transition.
However, the momentum began to shift when the Blue Devils tightened up defensively and found their rhythm on offense. A critical 11-2 run erased Boston College’s lead, and by the time the first half ended, Duke was in full control.
The turning point came when Flagg took matters into his own hands, scoring nine points during an 11-3 run late in the first half. This stretch not only put Duke ahead but also gave the team the confidence to impose its will for the remainder of the game.
Takeaways from the Game
Duke: Continuing to Dominate the ACC
Duke’s dominance in the ACC this season has been remarkable. Saturday’s victory marked their 14th double-digit win of the season and their 11th victory by at least 20 points. The Blue Devils are the only ACC team currently ranked in the AP Top 25, a testament to their consistency and strength in a conference that traditionally boasts multiple ranked teams.
Led by head coach Jon Scheyer, Duke has embraced a winning culture that blends youthful energy with a commitment to excellence. Freshmen like Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, along with veterans like Tyrese Proctor, have created a team that is dangerous in all facets of the game.
Boston College: Searching for Consistency
For Boston College, the season has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. The Eagles started the year with promise but have struggled in conference play, losing four straight ACC games since their victory over Miami on New Year’s Day.
Saturday’s game highlighted the gap between the Eagles and elite teams like Duke. Despite flashes of brilliance early in the game, Boston College was unable to sustain its level of play against a deeper, more talented opponent.
Key Moments and Stats
Flagg’s Resilience
One of the game’s defining moments occurred just 90 seconds after tip-off. Cooper Flagg and teammate Khaman Maluach combined to block a shot under the BC basket, but Flagg came up favoring his ankle. He remained on the floor briefly before getting back into the action, showing resilience and determination.
Despite the early scare, Flagg bounced back and delivered a performance that reaffirmed his status as one of the top players in college basketball.
Duke’s Efficient Scoring
Duke’s offensive efficiency was on full display, with the team shooting over 50% from the field and controlling the tempo throughout the game. Their ability to capitalize on opportunities and convert possessions into points made it nearly impossible for Boston College to keep pace.
Dominance in the Series
Saturday’s victory extended Duke’s winning streak over Boston College to 10 games. The Eagles haven’t beaten the Blue Devils since their memorable upset of the top-ranked team in December 2017.
Looking Ahead
What’s Next for Duke?
The Blue Devils will hit the road again next week, traveling to Winston-Salem to take on Wake Forest in another ACC showdown. Duke will look to maintain its perfect conference record and extend its winning streak to 13 games.
While the Blue Devils have been dominant in ACC play, their schedule becomes more challenging in February, with matchups against North Carolina and other Quad 1 opponents. These games will be crucial in determining Duke’s seeding for the NCAA tournament and its chances of making a deep postseason run.
What’s Next for Boston College?
The Eagles will face another tough test on Tuesday when they travel to Charlottesville to take on the Virginia Cavaliers. Boston College will need to regroup quickly if they hope to compete against one of the ACC’s better defensive teams.
For head coach Earl Grant, the focus will likely be on finding ways to build confidence and consistency within his squad. While the Eagles’ season hasn’t gone as planned, there’s still time to make improvements and finish strong.
Final Thoughts
Duke’s victory over Boston College was yet another example of why the Blue Devils are considered one of the top teams in the country. Cooper Flagg continues to amaze with his talent and poise, while the team as a whole has shown an ability to rise to the occasion in challenging moments.
For Boston College, the game served as a reminder of the work that remains to be done. While the Eagles showed fight early on, they’ll need to find ways to sustain their performance against elite competition.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on Duke and their freshman star, Cooper Flagg, as they chase ACC glory and a shot at the NCAA championship.
