Duke basketball coach Jon Scheyer kept freshman superstar Cooper Flagg on a strict pitch count in the Blue Devils’ first men’s NCAA Tournament game on Friday afternoon, but the 18-year-old phenom still found a way to make his impact.
Flagg missed the last two games of the ACC Tournament with an ankle sprain, but he let Duke faithful know he was okay when he lobbed up a pass to classmate Khaman Maluach in the opening minute, the first of multiple alley-oop connections between that duo against Mount St. Mary’s. A few minutes later, he threw down a two-handed dunk to electrify Blue Devils fans around the country.
Flagg only played 22 minutes as the Blue Devils surely want to work him back into the fold slowly, but he still played a big part in Duke’s lopsided win. Here’s a recap of his first career March Madness game.Cooper Flagg points scored vs. Mount St. Mary’s:
Flagg finished with 14 points, making six of his 12 shots and one of his three 3-point looks. He snagged seven rebounds, dished four assists, and blocked two shots in his limited action.
Did Duke win?
Yes, the Blue Devils won 93-49 to advance to the second round, setting up a battle with the Baylor Bears for a spot in the Sweet 16.
Cooper Flagg’s next game:
The Duke Blue Devils will return to the court on Sunday against the Baylor Bears for a spot in the Sweet 16.
