The No. 2-ranked Duke Blue Devils showed why they are among the nation’s top teams with a commanding 93-60 victory over Wake Forest on Tuesday night, securing at least a share of the ACC regular-season championship. Freshman sensation Cooper Flagg, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, once again put on a show in front of a packed Cameron Indoor Stadium, delivering a dominant all-around performance that continues to build his growing legend in Durham.
Flagg finished the night with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocks, showcasing his versatile skill set on both ends of the floor. His intensity, athleticism, and defensive presence overwhelmed Wake Forest, who struggled to find any rhythm against Duke’s suffocating defense. The win improves Duke’s record to 25-4 overall and 16-2 in ACC play, ensuring at least a share of the conference crown with one game remaining in the regular season.
From the opening tip, Duke set the tone with relentless pressure and fluid offense. Jeremy Roach added 17 points and 6 assists, while sophomore Tyrese Proctor contributed 14 points and 5 rebounds. The Blue Devils shot an impressive 54% from the field and 43% from beyond the arc, punishing Wake Forest’s defense with crisp ball movement and sharp execution.
Wake Forest, entering the game at 18-11 (10-8 ACC), simply had no answers. The Demon Deacons’ leading scorer, Hunter Sallis, was held to just 9 points on 3-of-12 shooting, as Duke’s defense clamped down throughout the night. The loss puts Wake Forest’s NCAA Tournament hopes in a precarious position, with their resume lacking a signature win as March approaches.
For Duke, the victory marks a significant milestone under head coach Jon Scheyer, who continues to build on the program’s storied tradition following the retirement of the legendary Mike Krzyzewski. With Flagg leading the way, the Blue Devils are not only favorites to win the ACC Tournament next week in Washington, D.C., but are also considered serious contenders for the national championship.
“This is what we’ve worked for all season,” Scheyer said postgame. “Our guys have stayed focused, and Cooper has been everything we hoped for and more. But we’re not satisfied yet. We want to finish strong and carry this into March Madness.”
Duke will wrap up their regular season on Saturday with a highly anticipated rematch against rival North Carolina. The Tar Heels, who sit just behind Duke in the standings, could still share the ACC title with a win. But if Duke defeats UNC in Chapel Hill, they will claim the outright championship, adding even more stakes to one of college basketball’s fiercest rivalries.
As for Flagg, his focus remains on the team’s goals. “We’re locked in,” Flagg said. “We’ve got more work to do.”
With March Madness looming, Duke is peaking at the perfect time—and Cooper Flagg continues to look like the superstar who could carry them all the way.
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