For much of Saturday night’s game, Clemson successfully contained Duke’s star freshman, Cooper Flagg. The Tigers’ defense held Flagg to just four points with six minutes remaining in the contest, limiting his effectiveness in the paint. Meanwhile, Chase Hunter came through in the clutch, sinking crucial free throws to secure a 77-71 victory. This win snapped Duke’s impressive 16-game winning streak and showcased Clemson’s ability to dominate inside, outscoring the Blue Devils 40-22 in the paint.
Clemson’s Big Men Dominate the Game
Clemson’s frontcourt, led by Viktor Lakhin and Ian Schieffelin, overwhelmed Duke’s interior defense. Lakhin, in particular, rebounded from a rough outing in the previous game against Georgia Tech, where he struggled with foul trouble. He delivered a stellar performance, scoring 22 points, grabbing four rebounds, and blocking three shots.
Schieffelin added key plays, including a dunk that helped Clemson pull away late in the second half. Their combined effort stymied Flagg, who struggled with his shooting throughout most of the game.
Despite his slow start, Flagg made a late push, scoring 14 points in the final minutes to bring Duke within striking distance. He hit a key three-pointer and free throws, keeping Duke in the game. However, in the crucial closing seconds, Flagg slipped on a wet spot while attacking the basket, leading to a traveling call that effectively sealed Duke’s fate. His late-game heroics weren’t enough to overcome Clemson’s defensive pressure and rebounding advantage.
Duke Coach Defends Flagg’s Performance
Duke coach Jon Scheyer defended Flagg, acknowledging that the young star had been dealing with physical fatigue from the demanding college schedule. He noted that Flagg, who reclassified early to join Duke, had shown signs of wear in practice. Scheyer emphasized the need to ease Flagg’s workload and keep him fresh for the remainder of the season. He remained confident in Flagg’s ability to bounce back, crediting him for making big plays late despite a difficult first half.
Clemson coach Brad Brownell and his players remained humble after the victory, downplaying any special tactics used to stop Flagg. Instead, they credited their game plan and execution for the win. As fans celebrated by storming the court, Lakhin hinted that this performance was just the beginning of bigger things for Clemson.
He expressed confidence that the Tigers could meet Duke again in the ACC tournament and deliver another strong performance. For now, Clemson’s impressive win over the No. 2 team in the country solidifies its status as a serious contender.