WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Duke Blue Devils, who had been dominating Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) rivals, faced a challenging game against Wake Forest that tested their resilience. After an impressive streak, the team found itself struggling with missed opportunities and turnovers, all while the home crowd rallied the Demon Deacons.
To counter this adversity, the second-ranked Blue Devils adjusted their strategy by deploying a rarely used zone defense and persevering through a difficult offensive performance. The outcome was a crucial victory for Duke, particularly as they look to meet the heightened expectations surrounding their aspirations for the Final Four.
“You need to win one of these types of games in the NCAA tournament,” remarked head coach Jon Scheyer following the 63-56 road win on Saturday. “It’s essential both in the tournament and during ACC play. We’ve definitely earned this. We performed well, but we know it’s just a matter of time until we face challenges.”
The Blue Devils, with a record of 17-2 and 9-0 in the ACC, had previously breezed through their league schedule, enjoying substantial victories with an average margin of 23 points before this matchup. They had also been impressive, shooting over 50% for seven consecutive games, while ranking among the top five in both offensive and defensive metrics.
However, the game took a different turn at Wake Forest, where the Blue Devils suffered from multiple turnovers and a sluggish offensive start in the second half. They missed their first 13 shots coming out of halftime, hitting only one of 19 attempts over the initial 12 minutes of the half. This allowed Wake Forest to transform a 15-point deficit into a 45-39 lead.
Despite the mounting pressure, Duke found a way to regain control. Following a series of scoring plays, freshman standout Cooper Flagg contributed three pivotal baskets while graduate transfer Mason Gillis nailed a critical three-pointer to help recapture momentum.
“The way we responded was incredibly significant,” said Flagg, who scored 15 of his 24 points after the break.
In addition to their offensive adjustments, Duke implemented the rare zone defense shortly after Flagg’s basket sparked their comeback. Historically, the team has favored man-to-man defense, with Scheyer noting that the squad had only utilized the zone once before this season, making its application in such a high-pressure scenario a novel move.
Duke turned to the zone with around eight minutes remaining, executing it for several possessions. During that stretch, Wake Forest could only manage one basket, allowing Duke to refocus and mount their comeback.
“They were just trying to disrupt their flow,” Scheyer explained. “In decisive moments, that can be effective. We’ve prepared for it, but it’s commendable how the team executed it.”
Scheyer mentioned that this defensive tactic had been practiced during the preseason and in the lead-up to Saturday’s game. Implementing it in real-time provided a fresh challenge, especially for Flagg, who admitted that he had no prior experience playing a zone defense.
“I guess we had to try it at some point,” Scheyer joked.
By the end of the contest, Duke had recorded 16 turnovers, tying their season high from a previous loss to Kansas, and they achieved season lows in both points and shooting percentage at 36.8%. Nevertheless, they maintained their undefeated status in the ACC.
“I feel like everything we are doing right now is preparing us for March,” Gillis emphasized, contributing 11 points and six rebounds from the bench. “This game had that February-to-March feel, where we needed to adapt and find a way to win, and ultimately, that’s what matters.”
