![Lakhin nets 22 points as Clemson hands No. 2 Duke a 77-71 loss, ending their 16-game winning run. Lakhin nets 22 points as Clemson hands No. 2 Duke a 77-71 loss, ending their 16-game winning run.](https://uslive-mediap.uslive.com/2025/02/1f49bff1-0e10774d99374e05b9c7e3420e46edc5-duke_clemson_basketball_92632.jpg)
CLEMSON, S.C. — In an exciting showdown, Clemson managed to secure a 77-71 victory over No. 2 ranked Duke on Saturday night, effectively putting an end to the Blue Devils’ impressive 16-game winning streak. Viktor Lakhin was a standout performer, contributing 22 points to the Tigers’ winning effort.
Chase Hunter also made a significant impact, finishing with 14 points, while Ian Schieffelin notched a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds for Clemson, who now holds a record of 19-5 overall and 11-2 in the ACC. The defeat thwarted Duke’s chances for an unblemished regular season within the Atlantic Coast Conference and prevented them from seizing the top spot in national rankings for the first time under coach Jon Scheyer. Earlier in the day, No. 1 Auburn suffered a loss against No. 6 Florida, which would have set the stage for Duke to ascend to the No. 1 ranking had they secured a win.
For Duke, Tyrese Proctor was a leading scorer, finishing the night with 23 points, while Cooper Flagg managed to add 18 points despite struggling with his shooting at 6-of-17 from the field. Although Clemson was down by six points at halftime, they roared back with a 12-0 run in the second half, establishing a 56-49 lead with under 10 minutes remaining in the game.
Hunter ultimately clinched the win for Clemson by blocking Proctor’s potential layup with only 7.9 seconds left on the clock.
There were notable developments throughout the match. Duke’s performance was likely hampered by the absence of Mason Gillis, who was sidelined for a second consecutive game due to illness. Flagg, who has been a candidate for player of the year, struggled significantly, recording just four points in the first 34 minutes of play. On the contrary, Clemson exhibited resilience after previously suffering a heartbreaking 89-86 loss in triple overtime against Georgia Tech.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred when Flagg slipped with 14 seconds remaining, resulting in a critical turnover while his team was trailing by just two points.
Despite their struggles at the free-throw line, where they made only 13 of 22 attempts, Clemson managed to pull off the upset. Looking ahead, Duke will be back in action on Wednesday at home against California, while Clemson welcomes North Carolina to their arena on Monday night.