The Duke Blue Devils capped off their preseason schedule with a resounding 103-47 victory over the Arizona State Sun Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The seventh-ranked Blue Devils welcomed back former player and current Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley for a charity game, with proceeds going to the Duke Children's Hospital.

Unleashing a Balanced Offensive Onslaught

The Blue Devils' starting lineup of Caleb Foster, Tyrese Proctor, Kon Knueppel, Cooper Flagg, and Khaman Maluach set the tone early, showcasing their versatility and cohesion. Sophomore guard Caleb Foster led the way with an efficient performance, scoring 17 points on 4-of-6 shooting and adding three assists and two steals. Junior guard Tyrese Proctor also contributed 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists, demonstrating his well-rounded skill set.The real standout, however, was freshman forward Kon Knueppel, who put on a dazzling display. Knueppel finished with a team-high 19 points, including four made three-pointers in a three-minute stretch during the second half. His ability to facilitate, rebound, and knock down perimeter shots highlighted the depth and versatility of the Blue Devils' roster.

Freshman Phenom Cooper Flagg Shines Bright

While Cooper Flagg's night may have been considered "quiet" by his lofty standards, the highly touted freshman still managed to make an impact. Flagg, Duke's top-ranked recruit, finished with nine points, four rebounds, and three assists in 21 minutes of action. His highlight-reel dunk after a steal by Tyrese Proctor showcased his athleticism and playmaking abilities.

Maluach's Dominant Presence in the Paint

Freshman center Khaman Maluach, standing at an imposing 7-foot-2, made his presence felt in the paint. Maluach recorded eight points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks, using his size and strength to alter Arizona State's attempts and control the boards. His towering presence in the post was a constant challenge for the Sun Devils, demonstrating the Blue Devils' depth and versatility in the frontcourt.

Bench Contributions Fuel Duke's Dominance

While the starting unit set the tone, Duke's bench players also made significant contributions to the lopsided victory. Purdue transfer Mason Gillis had 10 points, four assists, and three rebounds, showcasing his well-rounded game. Tulane transfer Sion James added 13 points, and freshman Darren Harris chipped in 10 points, highlighting the depth and talent throughout the Blue Devils' roster.

Shooting Woes Early, Offensive Explosion Late

The Blue Devils and Sun Devils struggled with their shooting in the first half, combining to miss 40 of 62 shots, including 20 of 24 attempts from beyond the arc. However, Duke's ability to score in the paint, with 22 first-half points, helped them maintain a comfortable lead. In the second half, the Blue Devils found their rhythm from deep, knocking down 15 of 23 three-pointers to pull away for the dominant victory.The Duke Blue Devils have showcased their depth, versatility, and offensive firepower in their preseason finale, setting the stage for a highly anticipated regular season. With a balanced attack and contributions from multiple players, the Blue Devils have demonstrated their potential to be a formidable force in the upcoming campaign.