Cooper Flagg leads Duke to shocking victory over Auburn

In a thrilling college basketball matchup, the Duke Blue Devils faced off against the Auburn Tigers in Durham, North Carolina, in the SEC/ACC Challenge. Freshman standout Cooper Flagg delivered a commanding performance, scoring 22 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, guiding the ninth-ranked Blue Devils to a hard-fought 84-78 victory over the second-ranked Tigers on Wednesday night. The win improved Duke's record to 6-2 while handing Auburn their first loss of the season, dropping them to 7-1. Flagg's performance was complemented by 16 points scored in the second half, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments, especially after Duke found itself in an early hole. Johni Broome, a fellow Associated Press All-American and senior for Auburn, also had a notable game, recording 20 points and 12 rebounds before fouling out late in the contest. As the game progressed, Duke had to fend off numerous challenges from Auburn, particularly as Broome had significant success in the pick-and-roll dynamic after halftime. Nonetheless, timely contributions from other Duke players, including a pivotal three-pointer from Tyrese Proctor, allowed them to maintain control in the waning moments, despite Auburn's late-game push. Flagg's skill set and growth as a player were highlighted throughout the evening, providing early glimpses of his potential as a future NBA draft pick. The environment at Cameron Indoor Stadium contributed to a charged atmosphere, echoing with Blue Devils fans who rallied behind their team during critical junctures, making the victory even more significant. Looking ahead, both teams will focus on upcoming conference play, further proving the intensity and competition level in college basketball this season.