In what is likely to be his final game at Cameron Indoor Stadium, Cooper Flagg dominates the stat sheet as Duke secures their share of the ACC championship.

In the world of college basketball, few moments are as unforgettable as the last game a player competes in at a legendary venue. For Cooper Flagg, a freshman phenom with the Duke Blue Devils, his likely final appearance at Cameron Indoor Stadium in the 2025 season was a moment to remember. The stakes couldn’t have been higher: Duke was in a battle for the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) championship, and Flagg—who had been central to the Blue Devils’ success all season long—delivered an unforgettable performance that not only solidified his status as one of the top players in college basketball but also helped Duke secure a share of the conference title.

Cameron Indoor Stadium, with its passionate fanbase, the legendary history of the program, and its electric atmosphere, served as the perfect backdrop for this momentous game. As the final buzzer sounded and the Blue Devils secured a crucial 87-75 victory, it became clear that Cooper Flagg’s performance would be remembered as one of the defining moments of his career and a fitting capstone to his time at Duke.

A Packed House and a Historic Night at Cameron Indoor Stadium

There is an aura about Cameron Indoor Stadium that makes it unlike any other venue in college basketball. The 9,314-seat arena, home to one of the most storied programs in the sport’s history, was packed to the brim with Blue Devils fans who had come to witness not only the chance to capture another ACC championship but also to show their appreciation for a player who had captivated the basketball world.

The energy inside Cameron Indoor was palpable. The student section, known as the Cameron Crazies, was on their feet from the moment the teams stepped onto the court, shouting chants of support for their Blue Devils. Their eyes were fixed on Flagg, who had become the face of Duke basketball in his freshman year. The Crazies knew this could be his final home game, and they wanted to send him off in style.

For Flagg, it was a chance to solidify his legacy at one of the most prestigious programs in college basketball history. It had been a season of exceptional play and growth for the freshman, and this game, with everything on the line, was the perfect stage to showcase his skills.

Cooper Flagg’s Performance: Dominating the Stat Sheet

Cooper Flagg, who had already gained recognition as one of the most talented and versatile players in college basketball, certainly lived up to the hype in this game. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he posted an impressive stat line that left the crowd in awe and cemented his place in Duke basketball lore.

Flagg finished the game with 27 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks, showcasing his all-around game. His shooting was efficient, as he went 9-of-15 from the field, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. He also hit 5-of-7 free throws, contributing to Duke’s ability to close out the game in the final minutes. It wasn’t just the scoring, though—Flagg’s contributions were felt all over the floor. He was the player who consistently made the big play when the Blue Devils needed it the most, whether it was hitting a clutch shot, grabbing an important rebound, or making a defensive stop.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging leads and neither side giving an inch. Flagg’s presence was felt early on, as he scored 12 of Duke’s first 20 points, using his size and skill to get to the rim and finish through contact. His defensive abilities were also on display, as he helped limit the opposing team’s top scorer, keeping him from getting into a rhythm. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor was evident throughout the first half.

However, it was in the second half where Flagg truly elevated his game. With the game still tight and the stakes increasing with every passing minute, Flagg took control. He scored 15 points in the final 20 minutes, including several key three-pointers that stretched the lead when it seemed like the game was on the brink of slipping away. One of his most significant plays came with just under four minutes remaining, when Duke held a slim three-point lead. Flagg drained a deep three-pointer from the top of the key to push the lead to six and gave the Blue Devils the breathing room they needed to close out the game.

On the defensive end, Flagg was just as impactful. His versatility allowed him to guard multiple positions, and his ability to disrupt passing lanes and block shots made him a nightmare for the opposition. He came up with a key steal with just over two minutes left in the game, leading to a fast-break opportunity that resulted in a bucket for Duke. Flagg’s defense was just as much of a catalyst for the Blue Devils’ success as his scoring, as it allowed the team to maintain control when the game became a grind.

Duke’s Overall Team Effort: A Total Performance

While Cooper Flagg’s individual performance was undoubtedly the highlight of the game, it was important to acknowledge that Duke’s success was also due to the collective effort of the entire team. The Blue Devils executed well on both sides of the floor, and several players contributed to the victory.

Senior guard Jonny Pendergast, who had been playing some of the best basketball of his career, added 18 points and 6 assists, providing a steady hand when the team needed it most. Pendergast, who has served as Duke’s leader throughout the season, worked seamlessly with Flagg, creating opportunities for him and vice versa. The chemistry between the two was evident, as they often found each other for easy baskets in transition or quick passes in half-court sets.

Eli Owen, a sophomore forward, also had a strong showing, contributing 10 points and 7 rebounds. His physical presence in the paint was essential for Duke, especially when the team was struggling to convert inside early in the game. Owen’s toughness and rebounding ability gave the Blue Devils second-chance opportunities and helped them maintain their edge in the paint.

As a team, Duke shot 48% from the field and 37% from three-point range. Their ball movement was crisp, with 21 total assists, and they held their opponents to just 42% shooting, largely due to their strong defensive rotations and Flagg’s disruptive presence. This balance of offense and defense was the key to Duke’s success and allowed them to secure their share of the ACC championship.

The Significance of the Win: Sharing the ACC Title

The victory over their conference rivals was more than just a regular-season win—it was the culmination of a season-long effort to reclaim the ACC title. Duke has always been a powerhouse in the conference, but the past few years had seen other programs, such as Virginia and North Carolina, emerge as legitimate contenders. This year, however, Duke was on a mission, and the win in Flagg’s likely final game at Cameron Indoor Stadium was a perfect exclamation point on a fantastic season.

The Blue Devils’ victory not only secured them a share of the ACC regular-season title but also ensured their spot as one of the top seeds in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. This championship was a reflection of the growth of the team throughout the season, as they overcame challenges, dealt with injuries, and found a rhythm that propelled them to the top of the conference standings.

As the Blue Devils celebrated on the court, it was clear that this was a special moment for the program, the players, and the fans. For Flagg, it was a fitting way to cap off what had been an incredible run in Cameron Indoor Stadium—his likely final game in the iconic arena.

Cooper Flagg’s Future: What’s Next?

With the victory, the Blue Devils now look toward the NCAA Tournament, where they will be among the favorites to make a deep run. While Flagg’s immediate future is tied to Duke’s success in March Madness, there’s an inevitable question looming over the entire college basketball landscape: Will Cooper Flagg stay for another season, or will he declare for the NBA Draft?

After this performance, where Flagg demonstrated his full array of skills, it’s safe to say that his stock has never been higher. He has the potential to be a top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and scouts are already salivating over his combination of size, skill, and defensive prowess. However, Flagg could still benefit from another season at Duke to further hone his skills, develop his leadership qualities, and solidify his position as one of the most complete players in the country.

Regardless of what Flagg decides, this game—his likely final one at Cameron Indoor Stadium—was a moment that will go down in Duke basketball history. It was a performance that showcased everything that made him special and left a lasting impression on the fans who filled the stands.