By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
BigPaulSportsBigPaulSports
Notification Show More
Latest News
Chris 'The Bear' Fallica's College Football Study Guide: Week 3 Edition
Chris ‘The Bear’ Fallica’s College Football Study Guide: Week 3 Edition
Game Analysis
Chris 'The Bear' Fallica's Top 10 College Football Rankings
Chris ‘The Bear’ Fallica’s Top 10 College Football Rankings
Game Analysis
Justin Herbert on 'Rearview': Chargers Are 'Steps Ahead' of Last Season
Justin Herbert on ‘Rearview’: Chargers Are ‘Steps Ahead’ of Last Season
Game Analysis NFL
FanDuel Sportsbook Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford: How to Bet on Canelo vs Crawford With FanDuel
FanDuel Sportsbook Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford: How to Bet on Canelo vs Crawford With FanDuel
Game Analysis
Where to Bet on Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford Including DraftKings, FanDuel and BetMGM
Where to Bet on Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford Including DraftKings, FanDuel and BetMGM
Game Analysis
Aa
  • Big Paul Sports
  • Services
  • Game Analysis
  • Free Picks
  • Premium Content
  • Registration
  • Member Login
Reading: Cooper Flagg and Duke cruise to win, hand Illinois largest defeat in program history
Share
Aa
BigPaulSportsBigPaulSports
  • Big Paul Sports
  • Services
  • Game Analysis
  • Free Picks
  • Premium Content
  • Registration
  • Member Login
Search
  • Big Paul Sports
  • Services
  • Game Analysis
  • Free Picks
  • Premium Content
  • Registration
  • Member Login
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
BigPaulSports > Blog > Game Analysis > Cooper Flagg and Duke cruise to win, hand Illinois largest defeat in program history
Game Analysis

Cooper Flagg and Duke cruise to win, hand Illinois largest defeat in program history

BigP
Last updated: 2025/02/23 at 4:02 AM
BigP Published February 23, 2025
Share
Cooper Flagg and Duke cruise to win, hand Illinois largest defeat in program history
SHARE

John Fanta

John Fanta

College Basketball Broadcaster and Reporter

Under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden in front of 19,812 and a couple million people on network TV, the Duke Blue Devils showed the country why they have the pieces to cut down the nets for the first time since 2015 this April in San Antonio. 

The Blue Devils didn’t just beat Illinois Saturday night in the SentinelOne Classic at Madison Square Garden. The Blue Devils dominated from start to finish, rolling to a 110-67 blowout win over the Illini, marking the largest margin of defeat for Illinois in program history.

While Cooper Flagg – the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft – took the headlines heading into the night, the Blue Devils showed just how well-rounded they are, shooting 16-of-27 from the floor in the first half and getting contributions across the roster. Yes, Flagg ended up with 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists while dazzling the crowd with a couple of nasty dunks, but this Duke team is more than just a couple of future pros. In his third year at the helm, Jon Scheyer is showing why he was a seamless fit when taking over for Mike Krzyzewski. 

ADVERTISEMENT

We saw it when Sion James – who had only hit multiple 3s in a game three times this season – drilled two treys in the opening three minutes. We saw it with Tyrese Proctor and Isaiah Evans combining for 20 points and driving right through the Illinois defense. We saw it from Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach, who will hear their names called early on draft night as well this June.

And on the other end of the floor, the Blue Devils swarmed the Illini defensively, holding them to 2-for-26 from 3-point range. Brad Underwood’s team entered the evening averaging 9.4 triples per game. Yes, the Illini missed some open looks along the way, but for Duke to dominate a Big Ten team physically in the fashion they did on Saturday night made for a resounding statement that should put the rest of college basketball on notice.

The Blue Devils have an answer to every single question, including whether a weak ACC has been propping them up after some early defeats to Kentucky and Kansas. The answer is that Scheyer’s team has evolved since November and has the goods to win a national championship.

John Fanta is a national college basketball broadcaster and writer for FOX Sports. He covers the sport in a variety of capacities, from calling games on FS1 to serving as lead host on the BIG EAST Digital Network to providing commentary on The Field of 68 Media Network. Follow him at @John_Fanta.

Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!


recommended


College Basketball

Get more from College Basketball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more


in this topic

Sponsored Content

Bet the World Cup in Wager.dm

You Might Also Like

Chris ‘The Bear’ Fallica’s College Football Study Guide: Week 3 Edition

Chris ‘The Bear’ Fallica’s Top 10 College Football Rankings

Justin Herbert on ‘Rearview’: Chargers Are ‘Steps Ahead’ of Last Season

FanDuel Sportsbook Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford: How to Bet on Canelo vs Crawford With FanDuel

TAGGED: college-basketball
BigP February 23, 2025
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Email Print

Follow US

Find US on Social Medias
Facebook Like
Twitter Follow
Youtube Subscribe
Telegram Follow
newsletter featurednewsletter featured

Weekly Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

    Popular News
    A wolf suit, big bets and an alleged robbery: The mystery of a Chiefs superfan
    NFLSports News

    A wolf suit, big bets and an alleged robbery: The mystery of a Chiefs superfan

    BigP BigP February 17, 2023
    Brother of former CB Talib pleads guilty to murder
    ACC to fight Clemson, FSU ‘as long as it takes’
    ‘It’s very frustrating’: Red zone woes holding Cardinals back
    Which schools are off to a fast start for 2026? Top 10 college football recruiting classes
    - Advertisement -
    Ad imageAd image

    Categories

    • Sports

    About US

    We offer information and tips on US Sports and evernts all over the world.
    Top Categories
    • Game Analysis
    • Free Picks
    • Services
    • Premium Content

    Subscribe US

    Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

      © Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.

      Removed from reading list

      Undo
      Welcome Back!

      Sign in to your account

      Lost your password?