Duke Overcomes First-Half Struggles to Defeat NC State 74-64

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The latest basketball game between Duke and NC State took place on Monday, January 27, 2025, at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Duke, ranked No. 2, faced a surprisingly tough challenge from NC State. At halftime, Duke trailed 37-33 after NC State had one of their best halves of the season, holding a double-digit lead on more than one occasion.

In the second half, Duke, led by star freshman Cooper Flagg, turned the game around. Flagg scored 23 of his 28 points after halftime, including eight points during a 19-0 run that spanned the end of the first half and the beginning of the second half. This run completely erased Duke's first-half deficit and allowed them to regain control of the game.

Fellow freshman Kon Knueppel also had a significant impact, scoring 19 points. Duke's defense tightened in the second half, holding NC State to just 32% shooting after the break. Despite a strong effort from NC State's Dontrez Styles, who scored 18 points, and the Wolfpack matching their season-high with 10 three-pointers, they were unable to sustain their performance.

The game featured some notable incidents, including a stoppage when Duke freshman center Khaman Maluach vomited on the baseline and another when a fan fainted and had to be carried out of the bleachers. In the end, Duke held on for a 74-64 victory, maintaining their unbeaten record in the ACC and at home.

Duke improved to 18-2 overall and 10-0 in conference play, while NC State fell to 9-11 overall and 2-7 in the ACC. Both teams are scheduled to play again on Saturday, with NC State hosting Clemson and Duke hosting rival North Carolina.