In a marquee matchup that could preview the Final Four, the No. 9 Duke Blue Devils handed the No. 2 Auburn Tigers their first loss of the season with an 84-78 victory at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The game was a gritty battle between two elite programs, showcasing standout performances and key moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Game Highlights
Cooper Flagg Shines Bright
Freshman phenom Cooper Flagg lived up to his billing as the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Despite an off night from the field, Flagg’s impact was undeniable. He recorded 22 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. Sixteen points came in the second half, where he anchored Duke’s offense and defense to fend off Auburn’s late-game surges.
| Stat | Cooper Flagg |
|---|---|
| Points | 22 |
| Rebounds | 11 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Steals | 3 |
| Blocks | 2 |
Isaiah Evans Lights Up From Deep
Isaiah Evans had a scorching first half, sinking six three-pointers to tally 18 points in just 11 minutes off the bench. His sharpshooting gave Duke a crucial 43-36 lead at halftime, providing a momentum boost that Auburn struggled to counter.
Birthday Brilliance From Sion James
Celebrating his 22nd birthday, veteran transfer Sion James delivered a gritty performance in his first start of the season. James’ one-handed dunk—finished despite contact—capped off a three-point play that fueled Duke’s energy. He contributed 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 3 steals in a pivotal effort.
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Auburn’s Stars Battle Hard
Auburn’s preseason All-American John Broome posted 20 points and 12 rebounds before fouling out with 15 seconds remaining. His inside presence and Tahaad Pettiford’s 20-point outing kept the Tigers competitive until they missed seven consecutive shots in the final 4.5 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Duke’s Resilience: Facing a relentless Auburn squad, Duke matched physicality with toughness, responding to every challenge with poise.
- Balanced Offense: Four Blue Devils scored in double figures, demonstrating Duke’s depth and ability to share the scoring load.
- Defensive Execution: Duke’s defense came up big down the stretch, holding Auburn scoreless for the final 4.5 minutes to secure the win.
- Conference Struggles: Despite Duke’s heroics, the ACC struggled overall in the challenge, losing the series 14-2 to the SEC.
FAQ: Duke vs. Auburn Matchup
| Question | Answer |
| Who was the standout player for Duke? | Cooper Flagg, with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and strong defensive stats. |
| What was Isaiah Evans’ contribution? | He hit six three-pointers and scored 18 points in the first half alone. |
| How did Auburn’s John Broome perform? | Broome scored 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds before fouling out late. |
| What was the final score of the game? | Duke defeated Auburn 84-78. |
| How did the ACC perform in the ACC/SEC Challenge? | The SEC won the series decisively, 14-2, with Duke and Clemson as the ACC’s only winners. |
Conclusion
Duke’s victory over Auburn was a statement win, highlighting the Blue Devils’ grit, depth, and star power. Cooper Flagg continues to impress as a generational talent, while contributions from players like Isaiah Evans and Sion James underscore Duke’s potential as a Final Four contender. As the season unfolds, this clash of titans could serve as a blueprint for March Madness matchups yet to come.
