Cooper Flagg, No. 3 Duke Look to Stay Hot Against Virginia

Duke is playing its best basketball of the season, but an improving Virginia squad stands in its way as the two teams clash Monday night in Charlottesville, Va.

The third-ranked Blue Devils (22-3, 14-1 ACC) are riding a two-game winning streak, blowing out both Cal and Stanford by a combined 57 points. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers (13-12, 6-8 ACC) have quietly won three straight games, clawing their way out of the conference basement.

Duke’s Offense Is Clicking at the Right Time

Duke delivered its highest-scoring ACC performance in eight years on Saturday, rolling over Stanford 106-70 in a game that showcased its offensive firepower.

• Tyrese Proctor led the way with 23 points
• Cooper Flagg added 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists
• The team shot 62.5% from the field and 48.3% from 3-point range (14-of-29)

Freshman Cooper Flagg, who leads Duke in scoring (19.8 PPG), rebounding (7.5 RPG), assists (4.0 APG), steals (1.6 SPG), and blocks (1.2 BPG), believes the Blue Devils are starting to peak at the right time.

With the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee ranking Duke as a projected No. 1 seed in its early bracket preview, the Blue Devils want to solidify their standing with another dominant win.

Virginia’s Turnaround Has Been Impressive

Virginia looked destined for the bottom of the ACC standings after a 1-6 start in conference play, but the Cavaliers have turned things around, winning five of their last seven games.

Saturday’s 73-70 victory over Virginia Tech moved the Cavaliers into a tie for ninth place, putting them in stronger position to qualify for the ACC Tournament.

• Isaac McKneely (13.7 PPG) led Virginia with 22 points vs. Virginia Tech, marking the fifth time in seven games he has been the team’s leading scorer.
• Andrew Rohde dished out nine assists and has totaled 34 assists with just two turnovers in the last four games.
• Anthony Robinson added 15 points off the bench, including a key alley-oop dunk to seal the win.

Virginia’s defense, a staple of Tony Bennett’s teams, has been much sharper, and they will need a near-perfect effort to slow down Duke’s high-powered attack.

Key Matchup: Cooper Flagg vs. Virginia’s Defense

Virginia plays a grind-it-out style, but slowing down Cooper Flagg is easier said than done.

The 6’9″ freshman has elite court vision, defensive instincts, and offensive versatility. His ability to score inside and stretch the floor makes him a nightmare matchup.

Duke’s Path to Victory:

• Continue the offensive efficiency—The Blue Devils have shot 50% or better in five straight games.
• Push the pace—Virginia wants a slow, defensive battle, but Duke thrives in transition (22-3 fast-break advantage vs. Stanford).
• Limit turnovers—Virginia doesn’t play high-tempo offense, so Duke must avoid careless giveaways to prevent easy baskets.

Virginia’s Path to an Upset:

• Control the tempo—The Cavaliers need to slow the game down and limit possessions.
• Defend the 3-point line—Duke shot 48.3% from deep vs. Stanford, but Virginia has held opponents to 32.2% from 3 this season.
• Get McKneely going early—Virginia needs its top scorer to deliver another big performance.

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Head-to-Head & What’s at Stake

Duke dominated the last meeting (73-48 win on March 2, 2024), but Virginia has won two of the last three matchups in Charlottesville.

• A Duke win keeps them in contention for a No. 1 seed in March Madness.
• A Virginia upset could push them further up the ACC standings and help solidify an ACC Tournament spot.

With both teams highly motivated, expect a gritty, intense battle as Duke looks to stay hot and Virginia tries to keep its momentum alive.