Duke Defeats Maine in Season Opener

In Cooper Flagg's much-anticipated college debut, Duke University soundly defeated the University of Maine 96-62. Flagg, a top recruit, recorded 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, showing a solid all-around game despite a mediocre shooting performance. Meanwhile, fellow freshman Kon Knueppel outshone Flagg offensively with 22 points, earning praise for his effective scoring and contribution to Duke's win. Analysts and fans are excited about both freshmen's potential impacts on the team's pursuit of a national championship, highlighting the diverse talents of the Blue Devils roster. Flagg's emotional connection to the game stemmed from facing his hometown team, adding a personal narrative to his debut. Duke's victory was marked by a strong second-half defense, where they pulled away with an 11-0 run, demonstrating their depth and prowess as a team.