Syracuse, New York — There is no better measuring stick in the ACC, or possibly in college basketball, than seeing how your program compares to Duke.
After Syracuse basketball’s tenth consecutive defeat against the Blue Devils (nine of which were by double digits), SU head coach Adrian Autry attempted to reassure the Orange masses that they would weather the storm and return to a position where they could compete with the Blue Devils.
Duke Blue Devils are without a crucial player for their ACC basketball matchup at Syracuse.
No. 2 Duke extended its winning run to 16 games on Wednesday, defeating Syracuse 83-54, despite missing a crucial reserve player.
Mason Gillis, a 6-6 small forward who has been in every game for the Blue Devils this season, did not travel due to sickness.
Gillis, a transfer from Purdue who joined Duke last summer, averages 4.8 points and 2.5 rebounds for the Blue Devils (20-2, 12-0 ACC). This season, he averaged 14.4 minutes per game and hit 36.4% of his three-point attempts.
Player evaluations after Duke’s resounding victory against UNC: RJ Davis vanishes and Cooper Flagg blows up.
Player Evaluations: RJ Davis Fails, Cooper Flagg Explodes in Duke’s Decisive Victory Over UNC
The Duke Blue Devils defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels, their fiercest rivals, 87-70 on February 1, 2025. Individual efforts were what made the difference that night, not just the team’s dominant defence or their outstanding attacking play.
Cooper Flagg, a freshman star, made his collegiate basketball debut with a spectacular performance, but veteran RJ Davis fell short of expectations. Here, we analyse the standout performances of the main players in this crucial ACC game.
Cooper Flagg: An Emerging Star Cooper Flagg, Duke’s freshman sensation, was really outstanding during this game.
The 6-foot-8 forward almost achieved a triple-double with a burst of 21 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Flagg’s effect on both ends of the floor was indisputable, although his stat line only partially reflects this.
Flagg’s scoring was a well-balanced combination of perimeter skill and inside strength. He scored easily in the paint early on by dominating inside with his length and quickness. His three-point shooting, however, proved equally effective as the game progressed, as he made a few long shots to keep the defence honest.
However, Flagg’s playmaking was arguably the most remarkable feature of his game. With seven assists, the rookie showed off his remarkable court vision, frequently threading the needle with accurate passes that set up teammates for simple baskets.
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