Duke Edges Out Georgia Tech in Nail-Biter as Freshman Phenom Cooper Flagg Exits with Ankle Injury
Duke Edges Out Georgia Tech in Nail-Biter as Freshman Phenom Cooper Flagg Exits with Ankle Injury
In a game that swung between adrenaline and anxiety, the Duke Blue Devils secured a gritty 72-68 victory over Georgia Tech on Tuesday night. But the win came at a cost: freshman standout Cooper Flagg, the team’s rising star, left the court in a wheelchair after suffering a concerning ankle injury late in the second half. The incident cast a shadow over an otherwise thrilling ACC showdown, leaving fans and analysts wondering about the implications for Flagg’s season—and Duke’s championship aspirations.
The Moment That Stunned Cameron Indoor
With under five minutes left on the clock and Duke clinging to a narrow lead, Flagg drove hard to the basket, colliding with a Georgia Tech defender as he elevated for a layup. The 6’9” forward landed awkwardly, his right ankle buckling beneath him. Silence fell over Cameron Indoor Stadium as trainers rushed to his side. After several tense minutes, Flagg was wheeled off the court, his face buried in a towel.
Post-game, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer remained cautiously optimistic. “Cooper’s a tough kid. We’ll know more after imaging tomorrow, but our focus right now is supporting him,” Scheyer said. Teammates echoed the sentiment, with guard Tyrese Proctor calling Flagg “the heart of this team” and vowing to “hold it down for him.”
How Duke Survived Without Its Star
Flagg’s exit could’ve spelled disaster for the Blue Devils. The Maine native had already racked up 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks, showcasing the two-way dominance that’s made him a projected top NBA draft pick. But Duke’s depth stepped up in crunch time: Sophomore Kyle Filipowski dropped a team-high 19 points, including a clutch three-pointer with 1:12 remaining, while guard Jeremy Roach locked down Georgia Tech’s backcourt in the final minutes.
Georgia Tech, led by Miles Kelly’s 21-point outburst, nearly capitalized on the chaos. But the Yellow Jackets faltered in the final seconds, missing two critical free throws that would’ve tied the game. “We had our chances,” said Tech coach Damon Stoudamire. “But Duke’s experience showed when it mattered.”
What’s Next for Cooper Flagg—and Duke?
Ankle injuries are notoriously fickle in basketball. While mild sprains can heal in weeks, severe ligament damage might sideline Flagg for months—a nightmare scenario for a Duke squad already leaning heavily on its freshman class. Scheyer confirmed Flagg will undergo an MRI on Wednesday to determine the severity.
For now, the Blue Devils must navigate a brutal ACC schedule without their most dynamic player. Freshman guard Caleb Foster, who saw increased minutes post-injury, acknowledged the challenge: “Cooper’s irreplaceable, but we’ve got guys ready to step up. Every game’s a battle.”
The Bigger Picture: A Wake-Up Call for College Hoops
Flagg’s injury is a stark reminder of the physical toll college basketball demands. The 18-year-old entered the season as one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory, drawing comparisons to Kevin Durant for his scoring versatility and defensive instincts. His absence could reshape Duke’s identity—and the national title race.
Fans flooded social media with support, using hashtags like #PrayForFlagg and highlighting his impact beyond the stat sheet. “He plays with a joy you don’t always see at this level,” said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. “The sport’s better when he’s on the floor.”
Duke’s win keeps them in the hunt for a top NCAA tournament seed, but all eyes remain on Cooper Flagg’s recovery timeline. Can the Blue Devils sustain their momentum without their star freshman? And how will this injury affect Flagg’s draft stock if he’s sidelined long-term?
One thing’s certain: In college basketball, resilience defines greatness. For Flagg and Duke, the next chapter will test both.
Stay tuned for updates on Cooper Flagg’s condition and follow our coverage for the latest on Duke basketball.
