NEWARK, N.J. – Cooper Flagg has already delivered some jaw-dropping performances this season, but Thursday night’s display took things to another level. The freshman sensation erupted for 30 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 blocks, guiding Duke to a 100-93 victory over Arizona in the Sweet 16.

“That was one of the best tournament performances I’ve ever been a part of,” said Duke head coach Jon Scheyer.

With the win, the Blue Devils advance to the Elite Eight, where they will take on Alabama on Saturday.

Flagg’s historic night put him in exclusive company. According to ESPN Research, he became the first Duke player to record 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in an NCAA tournament game since assists became an official stat in 1984. He is also just the second player to post at least 30 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks in a tournament game since 1986, joining UCLA’s Ed O’Bannon (1994). Additionally, he became the first player to achieve a 30-5-5 stat line with one or fewer turnovers since Chris Mullin in 1985.

Yet for Flagg, the focus remains on the next challenge.

“He just did what he was supposed to do and now he’ll move on to prepare for Alabama,” Scheyer said. “That’s what’s so special about him—he doesn’t get caught up in all the noise. I just wanted him to be himself, and tonight, he was exactly that. Loose, competitive, and completely in his element.”

Flagg started quietly, scoring just three points in the first 12 minutes. But once he got going, Arizona had no answer. A pair of layups and some tough shots sparked his momentum, and from there, he took over.

“I just tried to bring energy, trust our game plan, and rely on my teammates,” Flagg said. “They put me in great spots tonight, and Coach did too. I just focused on making the right play and letting the game come to me.”

For most of the first half, Arizona matched Duke shot for shot, and the game seemed destined to be tied at halftime. But in the final seconds, Kon Knueppel buried a three-pointer, Caleb Love missed on the other end, and Mason Gillis secured the rebound. He found Flagg, who pulled up from deep beyond the arc and drilled a three as time expired.

Just like that, Duke’s lead jumped from three to six at the break.

The Blue Devils carried that momentum into the second half, opening with a 14-5 run to push their lead to 15. Arizona never got closer than five points the rest of the way.

“The end of the half was a turning point,” Knueppel said.

Scheyer agreed: “That was a critical moment.”

Duke’s offense was electric, hitting 60% from the field, 58% from beyond the arc, and 85% at the free throw line. It was their fifth 100-point game this season and the fourth since mid-February. The Blue Devils also completed a season sweep of Arizona, having defeated the Wildcats 69-55 in November.

Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd praised Duke’s precision and execution.

“They come down the floor with a plan, they know what they want, and they execute it,” Lloyd said. “We’re not a bad defensive team, but they made us look like one at times tonight. Their young players have improved, and their veterans have stepped up. They’re a well-rounded team.”

For Arizona, Caleb Love was a one-man offensive force, pouring in 35 points to keep his team in the game. His performance put him in the record books—according to ESPN Research, he became the first player to score 35 points without a turnover against a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament since Michael Finley in 1994. He is also just the second player ever to have a 30-point NCAA tournament game with two different teams.

Lloyd had nothing but admiration for Love, whose college career came to an end.

“Caleb is special,” Lloyd said. “He’s been through a lot, and I hope people recognize that instead of just criticizing him. He’s come out the other side a better player and person.”

As Duke moves on, Flagg and the Blue Devils have their sights set on Alabama, with a Final Four berth on the line.

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