Cooper Flagg made his highly anticipated debut in the Duke-North Carolina rivalry, and boy did he make it count. The standout freshman dropped 21 points, snagged eight rebounds, and dished out seven assists, leading the second-ranked Blue Devils to a resounding 87-70 victory over the Tar Heels on Saturday night.
The Tobacco Road Rivalry lived up to its billing, with both teams coming out with a lot of energy and intensity. However, it was Duke who managed to assert its dominance from the get-go, thanks in large part to Flagg's impressive all-around performance.
Flagg's debut was one for the ages, as he showed the poise and confidence of a seasoned veteran. He was everywhere on the court, knocking down shots, grabbing boards, and setting up his teammates for easy baskets. His seven assists were a testament to his exceptional court vision and ability to read the game.
The Blue Devils' victory was a team effort, with several players chipping in with significant contributions. But make no mistake, Flagg was the star of the show, and his performance will undoubtedly be remembered for a long time to come.
For the Tar Heels, it was a disappointing loss, but they can take solace in the fact that they were able to hang with the second-ranked team in the country for a significant portion of the game. They will look to regroup and bounce back from this setback, but for now, the focus is on Duke and its rising star, Cooper Flagg.
As the season wears on, it will be interesting to see how Flagg continues to develop and grow as a player. One thing is certain, though - he has already made a lasting impact on the Duke program, and his name will be on the lips of college basketball fans for years to come.