DURHAM, N.C. — Cooper Flagg delivered an impressive performance, scoring 27 points as No. 3 Duke achieved a 78-57 victory over California, marking their 14th consecutive win at home on Wednesday night.
Tyrese Proctor contributed 18 points while Khaman Maluach recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds for the Blue Devils (21-3, 13-1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference). This victory was significant as it followed a loss to Clemson that ended a remarkable 16-game winning run.
Jeremiah Wilkinson led the Golden Bears (12-13, 5-9) with 21 points, supported by Rytis Petraitis with 11 points and Andrej Stojakovic adding 10 points.
Flagg’s shooting prowess was on display as he hit 8 of 14 field goal attempts and went a perfect 9 for 9 from the free-throw line. Duke took an early 19-9 lead within the first 9½ minutes of the match, with Flagg’s first-half performance of 13 points propelling them to a 38-23 lead at halftime.
**Key Observations**
California is struggling, having lost four of its last five games. They were on course to register a season-low scoring output until a late rally allowed them to score 15 points in just over five minutes.
On the other hand, the Blue Devils, leading the ACC, displayed a renewed sense of enjoyment and continued their unbeaten streak at home. Notably, Flagg’s breakaway reverse dunk in the second half was a highlight, prompting a rare smile from him on the court.
**Crucial Moment**
Two consecutive 3-point shots from the 7-foot-2 center Maluach and Flagg expanded Duke’s lead to 28-15, and they maintained a lead that never fell to single digits thereafter. This 3-point shot marked only Maluach’s second of the season from beyond the arc despite him having attempted eight.
**Statistical Insight**
California’s shooting was below par, hitting just 35.1% from the field, significantly lower than the ACC-low of 38.5% that Duke had allowed prior to this matchup.
**Looking Ahead**
Both teams are scheduled to play again on Saturday. Duke will face Stanford at home, while California will travel to Georgia Tech.
