Cooper Flagg’s Record-Breaking Performance Leads Duke to Victory Over Notre Dame
In the world of college basketball, few things are as thrilling as watching a young player rise to the occasion and deliver a performance for the ages. On Saturday, in Durham, N.C., fans were treated to just such a spectacle as Cooper Flagg put on a show that will be remembered for years to come. The freshman sensation scored an Atlantic Coast Conference freshman record 42 points, propelling No. 4 Duke to an 86-78 victory over Notre Dame and keeping the Blue Devils unbeaten in conference play.
Standing tall at 6-foot-9, Flagg has been a force to be reckoned with since the start of the season. As a preseason Associated Press All-American, expectations were high, and he has certainly lived up to the hype. Against Notre Dame, Flagg was nearly unstoppable, making 11 of 14 shots, including 4 of 6 from beyond the arc, and an impressive 16 of 17 free throws. His all-around game was on full display as he also contributed seven assists and six rebounds, effectively wearing down the Notre Dame defense single-handedly.
Flagg’s shooting has been particularly noteworthy in recent games. Over his past six outings, he has made 12 of 22 3-pointers, a significant improvement from his first 10 college games, where he was just 8 of 36 from long range. This upward trajectory in his shooting accuracy has been a key factor in Duke’s continued success.
But Flagg wasn’t the only Blue Devil to shine on Saturday. Khaman Maluach also had a standout performance, adding a season-high 19 points for Duke, which now boasts a record of 14-2 overall and 6-0 in conference play.
On the other side of the court, Markus Burton led the charge for the Fighting Irish with 23 points. Despite their efforts, Notre Dame, now 7-9 overall and 1-4 in the ACC, struggled to keep pace with Duke’s offensive firepower. The Irish made an impressive 14 of 23 3-pointers, which kept them in the game and made for an exciting finish.
Notre Dame found themselves in a deep hole early on, falling behind 14-0. They trailed by as many as 18 points in the second half but showed resilience by clawing their way back to make it a two-possession game late in the contest. The Irish got as close as 80-76 on a Burton runner, but Flagg’s composure at the free-throw line proved crucial. He calmly sank two free throws, and when Burton missed a drive on the next possession, it set the stage for Maluach to seal the game with two more free throws with just 15.8 seconds left, pushing the margin back to two possessions.
As the final buzzer sounded, it was clear that this game would be remembered not just for the victory, but for the remarkable performance of a freshman who is quickly becoming a household name in college basketball. Cooper Flagg’s record-breaking night is a testament to his talent and potential, and it leaves fans eagerly anticipating what he will do next.
- Cooper Flagg: 42 points, 11 of 14 shooting, 4 of 6 3-pointers, 16 of 17 free throws, 7 assists, 6 rebounds
- Khaman Maluach: Season-high 19 points
- Markus Burton: 23 points for Notre Dame
- Duke’s record: 14-2 overall, 6-0 in ACC
- Notre Dame’s record: 7-9 overall, 1-4 in ACC
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Flagg and the Blue Devils as they continue their quest for ACC dominance. With performances like this, it’s clear that Duke is a team to watch, and Flagg is a player destined for greatness.
Originally Written by: Dan MurphyDavid HaleMyron MedcalfJeff BorzelloESPNESPNESPN staffESPN News Services
