Bears get blitzed by Blue Devils. Three things to remember as Cooper Flagg leads Duke with 27 points.

In a commanding performance, the No. 3 Duke Blue Devils secured a 78-57 victory over the California Golden Bears on Wednesday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Freshman sensation Cooper Flagg led the charge with 27 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals, showcasing his versatility and poise on both ends of the court. citeturn0news10

This win not only extended Duke’s home winning streak to 14 games but also served as a strong rebound following their recent loss to Clemson, which had snapped a 16-game winning streak. citeturn0search1

Here are three key takeaways from Duke’s impressive performance:

1. Cooper Flagg’s Stellar Play

Cooper Flagg’s 27-point outing was a testament to his offensive efficiency and defensive prowess. He shot 8-for-14 from the field and was a perfect 9-for-9 from the free-throw line. His ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories underscores his value to the team. citeturn0news10

A highlight of Flagg’s performance was a breakaway reverse dunk midway through the second half, which not only energized the crowd but also exemplified his athleticism and confidence on the court. citeturn0search3

2. Dominant Team Defense

Duke’s defensive efforts were instrumental in securing the win. The Blue Devils held the Golden Bears to just 35.1% shooting from the field, well below their season average. This defensive intensity disrupted Cal’s offensive rhythm and limited their scoring opportunities. citeturn0search1

The Blue Devils also controlled the boards, out-rebounding Cal 43-31, which limited the Golden Bears’ second-chance points and provided Duke with additional offensive opportunities. citeturn0news10

3. Balanced Offensive Contributions

While Flagg led the team in scoring, he was not alone in making significant contributions. Tyrese Proctor added 18 points, continuing his streak of strong offensive performances. Khaman Maluach recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing his presence in the paint. citeturn0search3

The team’s ability to share the ball and find the open man was evident, as multiple players contributed to the scoring effort. This balanced attack makes Duke a formidable opponent, as defenses cannot focus solely on stopping one player.