Cooper Flagg, Duke basketball avoid court-storming scenario with win at Wake Forest

Posted by author January 25, 2025 Basketball

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WINSTON-SALEM — Duke basketball didn’t have to worry about a court-storming situation or controversy at Wake Forest on Saturday.

The second-ranked Blue Devils were on the ropes after a second-half surge from the Demon Deacons inside of a rowdy, tie-dyed Joel Coliseum. But Duke responded and rallied for a 63-56 road victory in Winston-Salem, its first there since 2022.

Duke (17-2, 9-0 ACC) missed its first 13 shots of the second half, going 2 of 20 during a stretch, and Wake Forest (15-5, 7-2) surged ahead with a 23-4 run to take a six-point lead.

In an attempt to shift the momentum, Duke coach Jon Scheyer went to a zone defense around the eight-minute mark and the Blue Devils went on a 17-4 run to take the lead for good.

Cooper Flagg scored eight of his game-high 24 points during that run to help Duke avoid the upset and remain perfect in the ACC. Here are some other observations from the Blue Devils’ road win at Wake Forest.

Cooper Flagg stats for Duke basketball vs Wake Forest

Duke freshmen Cooper Flagg had a season-high seven turnovers, but he made play after play to get the Blue Devils through some second-half struggles. Flagg scored 15 of his 24 points in the second half, adding seven rebounds and six assists. He continues to make the case as the best player in the country.

Mason Gillis provides big minutes off bench for Blue Devils

With Maliq Brown out because of an injury and Khaman Maluach on the bench in foul trouble, Purdue transfer Mason Gillis was key off the bench for the Blue Devils. Gillis had 11 points and six rebounds, making two of his three 3-pointers in the second half.

Duke defense smothers Wake Forest with strong start

The Blue Devils have statistically been one of the top defensive teams in the nation throughout the season. They continue to pass the eye test, showing their strength once again with a strong start at Wake Forest. The Blue Devils limited the Demon Deacons to 22 points and Wake missed 19 of 27 shots, including each of its nine attempts from 3-point range. Duke had a 13-point lead at halftime.

Rodd Baxley covers Duke, North Carolina and N.C. State for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding those teams? Send them to rbaxley@fayobserver.com.