Excellent freshman ahead Cooper Flagg propelled Duke to a comeback, 74-64, win over upset-minded NC State on Monday.
With one other wonderful efficiency from the Picket Award contender, it is easy to know why the Blue Devils are the favorites to win the boys’s 2025 NCAA Match.
Flagg, the projected No. 1 decide within the upcoming NBA Draft, scored 28 factors on 8-of-17 taking pictures and added seven rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal.
NC State (Sep 11, 2-7 ACC) led by as many as 13 within the first half, however Related Press No. 2 Duke (18-2, 10-0 ACC) surged within the second half to win by double digits.
Flagg led the cost after halftime, scoring 23 factors in 18 second-half minutes.
Per the ESPN broadcast, Duke improved to 10-0 in ACC play for the primary time since 2007-08. That squad was surprised within the second spherical of the 2008 NCAA Match, dropping to No. 7-seed West Virginia, 73-67.
Based mostly on how the Blue Devils are taking part in, it will be an excellent greater shock if this yr’s workforce sees an early March exit.
Per ESPN Bet, Duke (+425) is the favourite to win the 2025 match. Contemplating Flagg continues enhancing, it has a superb alternative to win its first NCAA title since 2015.
Over his final 10 video games, Flagg is averaging 23.9 factors per recreation on 54.35 taking pictures.
Duke is No. 1 in KenPom, rating sixth in offensive score and third in defensive score. Whereas Flagg is the undisputed chief, the Blue Devils are a whole workforce. By the tip of the season, they may be the final workforce, too.
