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Flagg Cooper, No. 2 Duke Stays Unblemished in ACC Play After Surviving a Scare Against NC State

The ACC has always been a fierce battleground for college basketball, and the 2025 season has been no exception. Duke, ranked No. 2 in the nation, entered their matchup with NC State on a mission to maintain their perfect record in conference play. However, despite the Blue Devils’ formidable talent, they found themselves in a dogfight with the Wolfpack, who were intent on pulling off a major upset.

What followed was a thrilling, high-intensity contest that tested Duke’s resilience, grit, and ability to close out games under pressure. In the end, Mike Krzyzewski’s squad survived the scare, coming away with a hard-fought victory that solidified their standing as the team to beat in the ACC. Here’s a deeper look at how the game unfolded and what it means for both teams moving forward.

A Shaky Start for Duke

From the opening tip, it was clear that this would not be an easy win for Duke. NC State, under head coach Kevin Keatts, came out with a chip on their shoulder, determined to prove they could hang with one of the nation’s elite teams. The Wolfpack set the tone early, playing aggressive defense and knocking down key shots to keep the game close.

On the other hand, Duke was slightly off-kilter in the first half. The Blue Devils’ usually potent offense seemed a step slow, with shots not falling as they typically do. Star forward Flagg Cooper, who has been the focal point of Duke’s offense all season, struggled to find his rhythm in the early going. Cooper, known for his scoring ability, found himself double-teamed in the paint and wasn’t able to break free for easy buckets.

Despite the struggles, Duke remained within striking distance, with point guard Jaden Ivey stepping up to provide some scoring and leadership. Ivey, who has been a revelation this season, took control of the offense, keeping Duke afloat while they searched for better offensive flow.

NC State’s Surprising Resilience

While Duke was trying to find its footing, NC State seemed determined to take full advantage of the opportunity. The Wolfpack’s sharpshooting guard, Terquavion Smith, played with a sense of urgency that was contagious to his teammates. Smith was lights out from beyond the arc, knocking down three-pointers at crucial moments to keep his team ahead.

In addition to Smith’s perimeter shooting, the Wolfpack’s defense was stifling, particularly on Duke’s big men. With Cooper having trouble finding space in the post, NC State’s defensive strategy was working wonders. Their ability to switch on screens and rotate quickly kept the Blue Devils’ offense off balance for much of the first half.

Moreover, NC State’s frontcourt, led by center Jack Clark, kept Duke’s big men on their toes. Clark, who had a standout game on both ends of the floor, was a force in the paint, collecting rebounds and altering shots with his length and physicality. NC State’s overall effort was commendable, especially considering they were facing a team as talented as Duke.

By the time the halftime buzzer sounded, the Wolfpack had managed to take a slim lead into the locker room, 38-35. It was clear that the game was far from over, and Duke would need to dig deep to avoid suffering their first ACC loss of the season.

Duke’s Second-Half Surge

Coach Krzyzewski is renowned for his ability to make adjustments at halftime, and this game was no exception. As the second half began, Duke came out with a renewed sense of energy and urgency. Flagg Cooper, in particular, seemed to take the challenge head-on. After struggling in the first half, the Blue Devils’ star forward began to assert himself, using his combination of size, athleticism, and skill to attack NC State’s defense.

Cooper opened the second half with a couple of quick scores, and suddenly, Duke was back in control of the game. His aggression in the paint helped open up space for teammates, and Jaden Ivey continued to shine with his court vision and scoring ability. The Blue Devils were able to find more offensive flow, and their defense, which had been shaky at times, began to tighten up as well.

The turning point of the game came midway through the second half when Duke went on a 10-2 run to take a commanding lead. NC State, who had been playing so well in the first half, began to show signs of fatigue. Their shots started to miss, and their defense lost some of its intensity. Duke, on the other hand, capitalized on every mistake, pushing the pace and converting transition opportunities.

Key Moments in the Final Minutes

Despite Duke’s surge, NC State was far from done. The Wolfpack refused to back down, with Terquavion Smith continuing to hit big shots, and Jack Clark providing a steady presence in the post. The lead Duke had built was gradually chipped away, and with just under two minutes remaining, NC State had cut the deficit to just three points.

With the pressure mounting, Duke’s veterans stepped up. Jaden Ivey, who had been excellent all game long, hit a clutch jumper to extend Duke’s lead to five. On the next possession, it was Cooper who made his presence felt, drawing a foul in the paint and sinking both free throws to push the lead to seven.

NC State had one last opportunity to make it interesting, but a contested three-pointer by Smith bounced off the rim, sealing the victory for Duke. The Blue Devils walked away with an 81-76 win, extending their perfect record in ACC play.

Flagg Cooper’s Impact

While Duke’s victory was a team effort, it was clear that Flagg Cooper was the driving force behind the win. After a quiet first half, Cooper took over in the second, finishing with 24 points and 12 rebounds. His performance under pressure was a testament to his growth as a leader and his ability to rise to the occasion when his team needed him most.

Cooper’s ability to dominate in the paint, while also stepping out to knock down a few mid-range jumpers, makes him one of the most versatile players in college basketball. His performance against NC State was a perfect example of why he’s considered one of the top prospects in the country. It wasn’t just his scoring, but his defensive presence and leadership on the floor that allowed Duke to weather NC State’s challenge.

Jaden Ivey’s Leadership

Another key factor in Duke’s win was the play of Jaden Ivey. The sophomore point guard has been a breakout star for the Blue Devils this season, and he delivered once again when his team needed him most. Ivey finished the game with 18 points and 7 assists, but it was his ability to control the tempo and make smart decisions in crunch time that stood out.

In a game where Duke faced adversity, Ivey’s leadership and calm demeanor helped stabilize the offense. Whether it was creating plays for others or hitting timely shots, Ivey proved that he’s more than capable of handling the pressure that comes with being the starting point guard for a top-tier team.

The Importance of Depth for Duke

Duke’s depth was another key to their success against NC State. With the game getting tight in the second half, Coach Krzyzewski was able to rotate in fresh legs and maintain a high level of intensity. Players like Dereck Lively II, who was critical on the defensive end, and Tyrese Proctor, who provided a spark off the bench, were invaluable in helping Duke maintain its lead.

The Blue Devils’ depth will be critical as they progress through the ACC schedule and into the NCAA Tournament. Having multiple players who can step up in different situations gives Duke the flexibility to adjust to any challenge they may face.

What’s Next for Duke?

With the win, Duke moves to 7-0 in ACC play, maintaining their position as the top team in the conference. However, the Blue Devils know that the road ahead will only get tougher. The ACC is filled with talented teams, and Duke will need to continue playing at a high level to stay atop the standings.

For NC State, the loss was a tough pill to swallow, but there were plenty of positives to take away. The Wolfpack showed that they can compete with one of the best teams in the country, and if they can build on this performance, they will be a dangerous team moving forward.