Freshman sensation Kon Knueppel delivered a career-high performance as the No. 3 Duke Blue Devils extended their winning streak with a dominant 89-54 victory over Miami. The game, played Tuesday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium, highlighted Duke’s sharp-shooting precision and relentless teamwork, keeping them undefeated in ACC play.
Knueppel scored a season-best 25 points, draining six 3-pointers and igniting Duke’s offensive onslaught. Supported by a stellar all-around effort from his teammates, the Blue Devils moved to 15-2 overall and 7-0 in ACC competition.
Duke’s Dominance Shines Against Miami
From the tip-off, it was clear Duke was ready to maintain its ACC dominance. The Blue Devils shot an impressive 54.8% from the field and an astonishing 17-of-32 from beyond the arc. By halftime, Duke held a commanding 50-26 lead, effectively putting the game out of Miami’s reach.
Khaman Maluach, Duke’s 7-foot-2 center, delivered an outstanding performance, recording 12 points and 15 rebounds for his third double-double of the season. Cooper Flagg, fresh off being named the Associated Press Men’s National Player of the Week, added 13 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, proving once again why he is a cornerstone of Duke’s success.
Miami’s Struggles Continue
For the Miami Hurricanes, this season has been anything but smooth. Following the resignation of long-time coach Jim Larrañaga after Christmas, the team has struggled to find its footing. Tuesday’s loss marked their sixth consecutive defeat, dropping them to 4-13 overall and 0-6 in ACC play.
Lynn Kidd led Miami with 20 points, but the Hurricanes’ defensive inefficiencies were glaring. Ranked 308th in defensive efficiency per KenPom.com, Miami struggled to contain Duke’s perimeter shooting and high-tempo offense.
Key Moments That Defined the Game
Two decisive stretches secured the victory for Duke:
- Early 3-Point Barrage:
Knueppel and Mason Gillis ignited Duke’s offense with consecutive 3-pointers, forcing Miami’s interim coach Bill Courtney to call a timeout just minutes into the game. However, the timeout didn’t stop the Blue Devils’ momentum. Another round of triples from Gillis and Knueppel extended Duke’s lead to 21-8 within a span of 60 seconds. - 14-0 First-Half Run:
With the game already slipping away, Duke went on a dominant 14-0 run, featuring yet another 3-pointer from Gillis and a driving layup by Knueppel. By the end of the run, Miami was staring at a 44-17 deficit, prompting yet another timeout from Courtney.
Key Stats That Highlight Duke’s Precision
- First-Half Efficiency: Duke averaged an incredible 1.563 points per possession on 32 first-half trips, showcasing their offensive fluidity.
- Teamwork and Ball Movement: The Blue Devils assisted on 17 of 19 baskets in the first half, emphasizing their unselfish play.
- Three-Point Accuracy: Duke connected on 53.1% of their shots from deep, with 11 triples coming before halftime.
Knueppel’s Breakout Performance
Knueppel has been a consistent contributor for Duke, but his performance against Miami was a breakout moment. His six 3-pointers came at pivotal moments, deflating any hopes of a Miami comeback.
“Kon was sensational tonight,” said head coach Jon Scheyer. “When he gets into a rhythm like that, it’s hard to stop him. His confidence and shooting ability really set the tone for us.”
Knueppel’s teammates also sang his praises. “It’s amazing to watch him get hot like that,” said Maluach. “He’s been working hard in practice, and it’s great to see it pay off.”
Maluach’s Continued Growth
Overshadowed by Knueppel’s offensive showcase was the reliable performance of Khaman Maluach. His 15 rebounds anchored Duke’s defense and limited Miami’s second-chance opportunities.
“Khaman has been a force for us all season,” Scheyer noted. “His ability to control the boards and protect the rim gives us an edge every time we step on the court.”
Flagg’s Versatility Continues to Impress
Though he didn’t replicate his record-breaking 42-point performance from the previous game, Cooper Flagg continued to display his versatility. His seven rebounds, six assists, and timely scoring kept Duke’s offense balanced and unpredictable.
“Cooper does it all for us,” Scheyer said. “Whether it’s scoring, passing, or defending, he impacts the game in so many ways. It’s a joy to coach a player with his skill set and work ethic.”
Miami’s Challenges Persist
The Hurricanes’ struggles were evident throughout the game, especially on defense. Miami allowed Duke to dictate the pace and couldn’t find answers to the Blue Devils’ ball movement and shooting accuracy.
Despite the loss, Courtney remained optimistic about his team’s future. “We’re going through a tough stretch, but I believe in this group,” he said. “We’ll keep working and find a way to improve.”
What’s Next?
Both teams will return to action on Saturday:
- Duke: The Blue Devils travel to Boston College, aiming to extend their 11-game winning streak.
- Miami: The Hurricanes will host SMU in hopes of snapping their six-game skid.
Final Thoughts
Duke’s performance against Miami was a masterclass in shooting, teamwork, and defensive intensity. With Knueppel’s breakout, Maluach’s consistency, and Flagg’s all-around contributions, the Blue Devils continue to solidify their position as one of the nation’s top teams.
As the season progresses, Duke’s depth and balance will make them a formidable opponent in both ACC play and the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils’ next challenge against Boston College will be another opportunity to showcase why they’re one of the best in college basketball.
Final Score: Duke 89, Miami 54.
This dominant win further cements Duke’s place as a top contender this season. Stay tuned for more electrifying performances as the Blue Devils continue their march through the ACC.
