Duke Embraces Next-Man-Up Mentality Heading Into Wake Forest Matchup

The No. 2 Duke Blue Devils have relied on their depth and resilience all season, and that mentality will be tested again as they host Wake Forest in their final home game of the season Monday night in Durham, N.C.

Despite injuries to key players, Duke (26-3, 17-1 ACC) remains atop the Atlantic Coast Conference standings, holding a one-game lead over Clemson and Louisville.

Their latest challenge came in Saturday’s dominant 100-65 win over Florida State, when freshman star Cooper Flagg suffered an eye injury in the first half. Flagg returned in the second half but was limited to just 20 minutes.

“Coop goes out in the first half and it really was what our team is all about,” Duke coach Jon Scheyer said after the win.

Duke Adjusting to Injuries as Proctor Remains Out

While Flagg is expected to play Monday, the Blue Devils are still without starting point guard Tyrese Proctor, who is sidelined with a knee injury suffered last week against Miami.

Duke turned to its young talent to fill the void, and they responded in a big way:

• Isaiah Evans, a freshman swingman, made his first career start and scored a team-high 19 points against Florida State.
• Kon Knueppel took over point guard duties, and Duke did not commit a first-half turnover in the game.

“We’ve got good players on this team that will step up,” Knueppel said.

Scheyer emphasized that Duke’s depth is a major strength, and they will need that depth again to close out their ACC regular-season title push.

Wake Forest Seeks Statement Win for NCAA Tournament Resume

Wake Forest (20-9, 12-6 ACC) enters the game coming off a hard-fought 74-71 comeback win over Notre Dame on Saturday.

An upset win over Duke would be a major boost to the Demon Deacons’ NCAA Tournament hopes.

Coach Steve Forbes has high praise for Flagg, who has been named ACC Rookie of the Week a record 11 times.

“He’s a hard guy to guard,” Forbes said. “He’s got all the tools. The great thing about him is his unselfishness. He really wants other people to succeed.”

However, Forbes warned that Duke is far more than just Flagg.

“He has got some good players around him, so don’t sleep on that,” Forbes added.

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Key Players to Watch

Cooper Flagg (Duke)

• Leads Duke in scoring (19.3 PPG), rebounds (7.6 RPG), assists (4.1 APG), and steals (1.6 SPG).
• Scored 24 points in Duke’s win over Wake Forest on Jan. 25.

Cameron Hildreth (Wake Forest)

• Scored 28 points against Notre Dame and has led Wake in scoring in six of the past eight games.

Hunter Sallis (Wake Forest)

• The Demon Deacons’ second-leading scorer, consistently providing offensive firepower.

Last Meeting: Duke Survived Wake Forest Rally

When these teams met on Jan. 25, Duke built a 13-point halftime lead, but Wake Forest stormed back to take the lead in the second half before the Blue Devils pulled away late for a 63-56 victory.

Flagg was dominant in that game, scoring 24 points to lead Duke.

What’s at Stake?

For Duke, a win would:

• Keep them atop the ACC standings heading into the final stretch.
• Extend their dominance at home this season.
• Further establish their depth and resilience in the face of injuries.

For Wake Forest, a win would:

• Boost their NCAA Tournament resume significantly.
• Keep them in position for a top-four finish in the ACC standings.
• Give them momentum heading into the postseason.

Will Duke’s Depth Deliver Again, or Can Wake Forest Pull Off the Upset?

With ACC title implications on the line, Duke will look to close out its home schedule strong, while Wake Forest is desperate for a marquee win.

Can the Blue Devils’ depth shine again, or will Wake Forest capitalize on Duke’s injury concerns? The answer unfolds Monday night in Cameron Indoor Stadium.