Duke Dominates Virginia in Convincing 80-62 Victory
Blue Devils Extend Winning Streak with Strong Performance in Charlottesville
In a commanding performance on February 17, 2025, the No. 3 Duke Blue Devils secured an 80-62 victory over the Virginia Cavaliers in Charlottesville, Virginia. Freshman standout Cooper Flagg led the charge with 17 points and a career-high 14 rebounds, marking his seventh double-double of the season. Fellow freshmen Kon Knueppel and Isaiah Evans also contributed significantly, each adding 17 points to the scoreboard.
Duke's Efficiency on Full Display
Duke's offensive firepower was evident as they shot an impressive 52.5% from the field and dominated the boards with a 41-21 rebounding advantage. Evans showcased his sharpshooting skills, connecting on 5-of-6 attempts from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, the Blue Devils' defense proved just as effective, limiting Virginia's leading scorer, Blake Buchanan, to just two points and two rebounds in the first half.
Game Breakdown
The game remained competitive early, featuring five lead changes within the first five minutes. However, Duke took control with a decisive 19-4 run, highlighted by three consecutive three-pointers from Evans, establishing a 30-16 lead midway through the first half. By halftime, the Blue Devils had stretched their advantage to 43-29.
Early in the second half, Duke continued to assert dominance, opening with an 8-0 run to widen the gap to 51-29. Their largest lead peaked at 70-43 following a powerful dunk by Sion James with just over eight minutes remaining. Despite efforts from Virginia's Andre Rohde and Dai Dai Ames, who each tallied 15 points, the Cavaliers were unable to mount a significant comeback.
Injury Concern for Duke
A concerning moment for the Blue Devils occurred late in the first half when forward Maliq Brown exited the game due to a dislocated shoulder. Head coach Jon Scheyer confirmed the injury post-game, noting that Brown would undergo further evaluation.
Duke Strengthens Its Hold on the ACC
This victory improves Duke's record to 23-3 overall and 15-1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), solidifying their position at the top of the conference standings. The Blue Devils have now won three consecutive games and remain dominant on the road, boasting an 8-1 away record. Conversely, the loss drops Virginia to 13-13 overall and 6-9 in the ACC, ending their three-game winning streak and continuing their struggles against ranked opponents.
Looking Ahead
Duke now sets its sights on the upcoming matchup against Illinois in the SentinelOne Classic at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. With momentum on their side, the Blue Devils will aim to extend their winning streak and continue their impressive season. Download Now
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