Duke University's men's basketball team put on a dominant performance against Army on Friday night, securing a 100-58 victory. The triumph was fueled by double-doubles from freshman standouts Cooper Flagg and Khaman Maluach, showcasing the team's promising future.
Duke University's Cameron Indoor Stadium erupted in cheers on Friday night as the Blue Devils cruised to a 100-58 victory over the Army Black Knights. The emphatic triumph was propelled by standout performances from freshman sensations Cooper Flagg and Khaman Maluach, who each notched double-doubles in the lopsided affair.
Flagg, a 6'8" forward, showcased his offensive prowess, pouring in a team-high 18 points while also grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing out 3 assists. His relentless effort on the boards proved crucial in controlling the tempo of the game and limiting Army's second-chance opportunities.
Blue Devils Soar Past Army, Notching 100-Point Victory
Maluach, a 6'11" center, matched Flagg's double-double feat, contributing 17 points and 10 rebounds to the Duke cause. His imposing presence in the paint made it difficult for Army to score inside, and he also showcased his agility with several blocks and steals.
Beyond the star freshmen, several other Blue Devils made significant contributions. Jeremy Roach, a sophomore point guard, orchestrated the offense with aplomb, scoring 14 points and dishing out 8 assists. Fellow sophomore Mark Mitchell added 13 points, while senior captain Dariq Whitehead chipped in 12 points.
As a team, Duke shot an impressive 53.4% from the field, including 38.5% from three-point range. Their dominance on the glass was equally impressive, as they outrebounded Army 46-27.
Army, despite the lopsided score, put up a valiant effort. Coleton Benson led the way for the Black Knights with 15 points, while Chris Mann and Jalen Rucker added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
However, Duke's suffocating defense ultimately proved too much to overcome. The Blue Devils forced 17 turnovers and held Army to just 37.3% shooting. Their aggressive play on the perimeter disrupted Army's offense, forcing them into rushed shots and preventing them from establishing any rhythm.
With the victory, Duke improves to 9-3 on the season, while Army drops to 5-6. The Blue Devils will next face Elon on Tuesday, December 20th, while Army will take on Navy on Wednesday, December 21st.
The performance against Army was a testament to the potential of Duke's young squad. With Flagg and Maluach leading the charge, the Blue Devils have a promising foundation for the future. As they continue to develop and gain experience, the sky's the limit for this talented group.