CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — In an impressive display of skill and athleticism, standout freshman Cooper Flagg delivered a stellar performance with 17 points and 14 rebounds, securing his seventh double-double of the season by halftime. His outstanding contribution played a pivotal role in No. 3 Duke’s commanding 80-62 victory over Virginia on Monday night.
The Blue Devils (23-3, 15-1 ACC) showcased their depth and talent, with Kon Knueppel also scoring 17 points to complement Flagg’s stellar showing. Duke extended their winning streak to three games following their only conference loss on Feb. 8 against No. 18 Clemson.
Andrew Rohde led the charge for the Cavaliers (13-13, 6-9) with 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists, displaying his versatility on the court.
Amidst the intense matchup, Duke forward Maliq Brown suffered an apparent left shoulder injury just before halftime, forcing him to exit the game prematurely.
**Key Takeaways**
*Duke*: The Blue Devils executed a clinical performance, shooting 9 for 23 from beyond the arc and dominating the boards with a 41-21 rebounding advantage over the Cavaliers. A strong start to the second half, highlighted by an 8-0 run, solidified Duke’s hold on the game.
*Virginia*: Despite showing promise with three consecutive wins and an improved performance, the Cavaliers struggled to contain Duke’s offensive firepower, as evidenced by the Blue Devils’ impressive 53% shooting percentage. Dai Dai Ames stood out with 15 points, continuing his streak of consistent scoring.
**Key Moment**
A pivotal moment in the game came when Rohde delivered an exquisite pass to Taine Murray for what seemed like an easy layup for Virginia. However, Flagg showcased his defensive prowess by blocking the shot, leading to a momentum-shifting 3-pointer by Tyrese Proctor for Duke.
**Key Stat**
The longstanding rivalry between Virginia and Duke, known for its intensity and close matchups, witnessed a departure from tradition on this occasion. Unlike previous years, the game’s outcome was decisively in favor of Duke, with a commanding 25-point victory margin, breaking the trend of close contests between the two teams.
**Upcoming Schedule**
Duke will face off against Illinois in an exciting nonconference clash at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday night, while Virginia is set to take on North Carolina in their next matchup.
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