Flagg Leads Duke Past No. 2 Auburn in Thrilling Matchup

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — In a thrilling matchup on Wednesday night, freshman sensation Cooper Flagg contributed significantly to the Duke Blue Devils’ 84-78 victory against the No. 2 Auburn Tigers during the SEC/ACC Challenge.

Flagg, a preseason Associated Press All-American, scored 22 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, including 16 points in the second half, which proved crucial as Duke (6-2) fought to maintain its lead.

On the opposing side, Auburn’s standout player, Johni Broome, recorded 20 points and 12 rebounds. However, Broome’s impact was curtailed as he fouled out with just 15 seconds remaining in the game. The Tigers (7-1) struggled in the closing minutes, missing seven consecutive shots during the final 4 and a half minutes of play.

Despite the hiccup in their offense, Duke managed to retain control in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, effectively clinching the win.

This exciting game also highlighted a broader narrative, as the SEC dominated the intraconference series, ending with a 14-2 record, with Duke and Clemson securing the only victories for the ACC.

Looking Ahead

As the college basketball season progresses, fans are eager to see whether Duke can build on this momentum, especially with emerging talents like Flagg showcasing their potential on the national stage.