Duke’s Cooper Flagg (2) blocks the shot by Mount St. Mary’s Jedy Cordilia (14) during Duke’s 93-49 victory over Mount St. Mary’s in the first round of the 2025…

Duke’s Cooper Flagg (2) blocks the shot by Mount St. Mary’s Jedy Cordilia (14) during Duke’s 93-49 victory over Mount St. Mary’s in the first round of the 2025…

 

Duke’s Cooper Flagg (2) demonstrated his shot-blocking prowess during the Blue Devils’ dominant 93-49 victory over Mount St. Mary’s in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The game, held at Cameron Indoor Stadium, was a showcase of Duke’s athleticism, depth, and defensive intensity, with Flagg playing a key role in both ends of the court.

 

Flagg, the highly touted freshman forward, has already garnered attention for his exceptional defensive abilities. Standing at 6’9”, his length and timing make him a formidable presence in the paint. In the first half of the game, with Duke leading by a significant margin, Flagg’s defensive play was on full display. Midway through the half, Mount St. Mary’s Jedy Cordilia (14), a skilled scorer for the Mountaineers, tried to drive to the basket for a layup. Flagg, positioned perfectly, read the play and timed his jump with precision, meeting Cordilia at the apex of his shot. With a swift swat, Flagg sent the ball careening off the backboard, effectively negating any chance of an easy bucket.

 

The block was more than just a moment of individual brilliance; it was emblematic of Duke’s collective defensive effort. As a team, the Blue Devils combined strong perimeter defense with an impenetrable presence in the paint, forcing Mount St. Mary’s into difficult shots. Flagg’s ability to disrupt plays without fouling showcased his growing maturity as a defender, further solidifying his reputation as one of the nation’s top prospects.

 

Duke’s defense wasn’t the only standout feature of the game. Offensively, the Blue Devils displayed remarkable balance, with multiple players contributing to the scoring effort. Star guard Tyrese Proctor had a standout performance, contributing 17 points and 8 assists, orchestrating the offense with poise. Meanwhile, forward Kyle Filipowski added a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, providing a strong inside presence to complement Flagg’s defensive dominance.

 

The game’s outcome was never in doubt. From the opening tip, Duke asserted its superiority, with a relentless full-court press and transition offense that overwhelmed Mount St. Mary’s. The Blue Devils raced out to an early lead and never looked back, keeping the pressure on both ends of the floor. The offensive depth was evident, with six players finishing in double figures, underscoring the team’s versatility and unselfish ball movement.

 

Despite the lopsided scoreline, Mount St. Mary’s showed moments of resilience, particularly in the first half, when they managed to string together a few successful possessions. However, Duke’s superior talent and depth quickly extinguished any hopes of a comeback. The Blue Devils’ depth was on full display, with Coach Jon Scheyer rotating players frequently to keep the energy high and maintain the defensive intensity.

 

The victory moved Duke one step closer to advancing further in the tournament, but it was the performance of Cooper Flagg that stood out as a defining moment. His shot-blocking ability, combined with his all-around skills, made it clear why he is one of the most highly anticipated players in college basketball. As the tournament progresses, Flagg’s development will be key to Duke’s aspirations for a deep run, and his performance in this first-round matchup served as a strong reminder of the potential he brings to the Blue Devils.