In a thrilling display of athleticism and skill, Cooper Flagg threw down an unforgettable two-handed slam dunk as the Duke Blue Devils powered past the Illinois Fighting Illini. The freshman sensation once again proved why he is one of the most talked-about young talents in college basketball, igniting the crowd at Cameron Indoor Stadium with a jaw-dropping highlight reel play.
Flagg, a versatile forward, soared through the air in the first half, catching a perfect pass on the fast break. With the Illini defenders trailing, he elevated with ease, finishing with a ferocious dunk that sent the Blue Devils faithful into a frenzy. The dunk capped off a dominant stretch for Duke, who showed their complete control over the game from the opening tip.
The play was a symbol of Duke’s offensive firepower, as they led Illinois by double digits for most of the contest. Flagg’s dunk was just one of many highlights from the game, where Duke exhibited their up-tempo style and suffocating defense. Flagg contributed 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, making a significant impact both on the boards and in transition.
“I just took what the defense gave me and was able to finish the play,” Flagg said after the game. “It felt great to get the crowd behind us, but this is a team win, and we’re focused on continuing to build together.”
Duke’s defense also made its presence felt, limiting Illinois to just 38% shooting from the field. The Illini struggled to get into any offensive rhythm, with their star player, Terrence Shannon Jr., being held to only 10 points. The Blue Devils’ defensive effort was anchored by their intense pressure on the perimeter and their ability to disrupt passing lanes.
With the 82-63 victory, Duke improved to 22-3 on the season, further solidifying their position as a top contender in the ACC. Head coach Jon Scheyer praised his team’s effort and Flagg’s continued development as a key contributor.
“Cooper is just scratching the surface of what he can do,” Scheyer said. “He’s an incredible talent, but what makes him even more special is his unselfishness and his commitment to doing whatever it takes to help the team win.”
As the season heads toward the postseason, Duke is looking like a serious national championship contender, and with players like Cooper Flagg leading the charge, the Blue Devils are poised to make a deep run in March Madness.
Next up for Duke is a road matchup against ACC rival North Carolina, where the Blue Devils will look to continue their dominant play and extend their winning streak.