Sometimes, history is made when preparation meets opportunity. For Duke freshman Cooper Flagg, that moment arrived during the Blue Devils’ electrifying 86-78 victory over Notre Dame. In a game that showcased his immense talent and potential, Flagg set the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) freshman scoring record with a jaw-dropping 42 points.
This incredible performance didn’t just highlight his scoring prowess; it demonstrated the culmination of hard work, mental preparation, and the influence of his father, Ralph Flagg, in shaping his basketball journey.
A Historic Night for the Duke Freshman
Flagg’s record-breaking night at Cameron Indoor Stadium cemented his place among Duke’s storied basketball history. The 6-foot-9 Maine native was unstoppable, shooting 11-of-14 from the field, 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, and an impressive 16-of-17 from the free-throw line. His all-around dominance included seven assists and six rebounds, making it one of the most complete performances by a Duke freshman in recent memory.
“It’s an incredible thing to hear for me,” Flagg said about setting the ACC freshman scoring record. “There have been so many incredible players to come through here as freshmen, one-and-dones who went on to the league.”
Finding Confidence Through Family
Flagg’s remarkable improvement in his 3-point shooting—an area NBA scouts had previously critiqued—has been a key factor in his recent dominance. Over his last six games, he has shot 12-of-22 (54.5%) from beyond the arc. This surge in efficiency didn’t happen by chance.
When asked about the recent improvement, Flagg attributed his success to time spent practicing with his father, Ralph Flagg, over the holiday break.
“I grew up in the gym with my dad,” Flagg shared in the Duke locker room after the game. “Late nights, early mornings, with him rebounding for me. Just kind of getting into the gym with my dad and having that old experience was really good for my mentals and put me in a really good spot.”
The comfort of returning to familiar routines clearly paid off, as Flagg opened the game against Notre Dame with three 3-pointers in the first seven minutes, setting the tone for his career-best shooting performance.
Duke Freshman Dominates Second Half
While Flagg shone throughout the game, his second-half performance was nothing short of extraordinary. Scoring 27 of his 42 points after halftime, the Duke freshman displayed a variety of offensive skills that left Notre Dame struggling to contain him.
Flagg’s versatility was on full display—whether it was nailing clutch 3-pointers, driving to the basket, or creating opportunities for teammates, he methodically dismantled the Irish defense.
“I kind of started off slow this year,” Flagg admitted. “But I’m always confident in myself. I know how well I can shoot the ball, and I’m always going to stay ready and take my open (3-pointers).”
Teammates Rally Around the Duke Freshman
Flagg’s historic night didn’t go unnoticed by his teammates. Fellow freshman Kon Knueppel praised Flagg’s confidence and mental preparation, pointing to the impact of his time back home.
“He’s been on a tear here,” Knueppel said. “Whatever he did to go home and get in that right mental space, he came back and let it fly.”
In celebration of Flagg’s record-breaking achievement, his teammates gave him a “water bottle shower” in the locker room after the game.
Coach Scheyer Compares Flagg to Duke Greats
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, who has seen his fair share of talented players, described Flagg’s performance as an “all-time special” game.
“Cooper had an all-time special performance,” Scheyer said. “Anytime we needed a basket, he came through and just willed us to victory.”
Scheyer also drew comparisons between Flagg and former Duke stars like Jayson Tatum and Paolo Banchero, emphasizing the mental adjustments required to excel as a shooter at the collegiate level.
“For Coop, he’s had to work through some things,” Scheyer said. “It’s never been about, ‘Man, we need to make him a good shooter.’ He’s been a good shooter. It’s just the fact that he’s always been used to creating off the bounce. He can do that, plus you have to be ready to shoot.”
The Supporting Cast Steps Up
While Flagg was the clear star of the night, sophomore Khaman Maluach played a crucial supporting role. The 7-foot-2 center recorded a career-high 19 points and 10 rebounds, providing Duke with a dominant presence in the paint.
“There’s not many 7-foot-2 guys who can move like he can,” Scheyer said of Maluach. “And his skill set is still developing.”
Maluach’s contributions were vital in helping Duke maintain its lead, especially during Notre Dame’s late surge.
Notre Dame’s Resilience
Despite Flagg’s brilliance, Notre Dame refused to back down. The Fighting Irish shot a blistering 14-of-23 (60.9%) from beyond the arc, keeping the game competitive until the final moments.
Markus Burton, the reigning ACC Rookie of the Year, scored 23 points for the Irish, while Braeden Shrewsberry and Tae Davis combined for timely baskets that cut into Duke’s lead.
However, foul trouble in the second half slowed Notre Dame’s momentum, allowing the Blue Devils to capitalize.
The Key Moment
The game reached its climax when Notre Dame cut Duke’s lead to 80-76 with less than a minute remaining. Burton’s runner had the Irish within striking distance, but Flagg responded with two clutch free throws.
Those free throws not only sealed the win but also secured Flagg’s spot in the ACC record books.
“It’s amazing to see his work translate into a game like this,” Scheyer said.
Duke Freshman Sets the Tone for the Future
Flagg’s historic performance against Notre Dame is more than just a record-breaking game—it’s a statement about his potential to lead Duke in the ACC and beyond. With the Blue Devils now riding a 10-game winning streak, they look poised to continue their dominance.
As Flagg continues to refine his skills and gain confidence, the sky’s the limit for the talented Duke freshman who has already etched his name into the program’s storied history.
Duke’s next challenge comes Tuesday as they host Miami at Cameron Indoor Stadium. If Flagg and his teammates keep up this level of play, they could be well on their way to making an even bigger mark on the college basketball landscape.
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