The highly anticipated Duke vs Virginia showdown did not disappoint, as No. 3 Duke delivered a commanding 80-62 victory on Monday night. This win was especially significant for head coach Jon Scheyer, who returned to John Paul Jones Arena with a much different result than his last visit.
While the Cavaliers kept things close in the opening minutes, Duke took over with a combination of elite shooting, rebounding dominance, and suffocating defense. Three Blue Devils—Cooper Flagg, Isaiah Evans, and Tyrese Proctor—each scored 17 points, leading Duke to another statement win in ACC play.
Duke vs Virginia: Blue Devils Take Control Early
Virginia started strong, matching Duke shot for shot in the first five minutes. Blake Buchanan, Virginia’s leading rebounder, opened the scoring with a quick basket, but Duke responded immediately with Cooper Flagg’s second-chance points.
The game was tied at 13-12 at the first media timeout, but that’s when Duke took over. The Blue Devils went on an 8-2 run, sparked by Flagg’s block on Taine Murray and a Tyrese Proctor three-pointer. By the 10-minute mark, Duke led 21-14 and never looked back.
Isaiah Evans Ignites Duke’s Offense
Isaiah Evans provided a massive boost off the bench, knocking down three three-pointers in the first half. His quick scoring helped Duke build a double-digit lead, and he continued to torch Virginia’s defense in the second half.
🔥 Evans’ Game Stats:
✔️ 17 points
✔️ 5 three-pointers
✔️ Key defensive plays
His fifth triple extended Duke’s lead to 68-43, sealing the Cavaliers’ fate.
Head coach Jon Scheyer praised Evans’ all-around impact, saying:
“Everyone talks about his shot-making, but his rebounding and defense are just as important.”
Cooper Flagg’s Dominance on the Glass
In this Duke vs Virginia matchup, Cooper Flagg showed why he’s one of the best all-around players in college basketball. The freshman recorded a first-half double-double, grabbing 11 rebounds before halftime and setting a new career-high early in the second half.
🏀 Flagg’s Final Stats:
✔️ 17 points
✔️ 14 rebounds
✔️ 2 blocks, 2 steals
Flagg’s rebounding was the difference-maker. Duke outrebounded Virginia 41-21, including 10 offensive boards, giving the Blue Devils extra scoring opportunities all night.
“We just have a strong desire to get the ball,” said Kon Knueppel, emphasizing Duke’s relentless pursuit on the glass.
Virginia’s Attempt at a Comeback Falls Short
The Duke vs Virginia crowd came alive in the second half when the Cavaliers made a brief push. After back-to-back blocks on Knueppel and Flagg, Virginia cut the lead to 51-33 on a Dai Dai Ames layup.
But Duke responded immediately. Freshman Patrick Ngongba II threw down a powerful dunk, silencing the crowd and restoring momentum for the Blue Devils. Ngongba stepped up in the second half, scoring eight points in 11 minutes with Maliq Brown sidelined due to a shoulder injury.
Virginia’s leading scorer Isaac McKneely finished with 14 points, but his effort wasn’t enough to keep the Cavaliers in the game.
Duke’s Defense Shuts Down Virginia
Duke’s defensive intensity played a huge role in this Duke vs Virginia battle. The Cavaliers struggled to generate clean shots, and their three-point shooting woes (just 3-of-14) prevented any real comeback attempt.
Key Defensive Stats:
✅ Duke forced Virginia into bad shots all night
✅ The Blue Devils held Buchanan to just 2 points and 2 rebounds
✅ Virginia’s 62 points were one of their lowest totals this season
Duke’s ability to contest shots and dominate the boards made the difference in this lopsided victory.
What’s Next After Duke vs Virginia?
With this 80-62 win, Duke strengthens its grip on the ACC standings. The Blue Devils have bounced back in dominant fashion since their only conference loss, winning by an average of 26 points in their last three games.
📅 Next for Duke: The Blue Devils head to Madison Square Garden on Saturday to face Illinois in the SentinelOne Classic.
📅 Next for Virginia: The Cavaliers will look to rebound as they prepare for another tough ACC matchup.
Final Thoughts: Duke vs Virginia Takeaways
🏀 Three Blue Devils (Proctor, Flagg, Evans) scored 17 points each
🏀 Duke’s 41-21 rebounding advantage was the key factor
🏀 Isaiah Evans was lights-out from deep, hitting five threes
🏀 Duke’s defense stifled Virginia’s offense all night
This Duke vs Virginia showdown was a statement win for the Blue Devils, proving they are a top contender heading into March. With elite shooting, rebounding, and lockdown defense, Duke is looking stronger than ever.
Can Duke continue their dominant run? Stay tuned as they prepare for their next challenge at Madison Square Garden!
