On Friday night at the Wildcats’ McKale Memorial Center, the Phoenix Suns teammates Grayson Allen, Tyus Jones, and Mason Plumlee were in attendance to witness Jon Scheyer’s third Duke basketball squad, ranked No. 12 in the AP Top 25 Poll, emerge victorious over No. 17 Arizona with a score of 70 - 55. This was a fitting event as the trio of former Duke basketball freshman national champions - Plumlee in 2010 and Allen and Jones in 2015 - got to see the promising performances of three Blue Devil rookies. Guard/forward Cooper Flagg led the way with a game-high 24 points on 10 - for - 22 shooting from the field, along with six rebounds, three assists, one steal, and two blocks in his team - high 38 minutes on the court. Kon Knueppel also had a great game, heating up to score 13 points by knocking down three of his six 3 - point attempts, all of which came in the second half. Khaman Maluach was a formidable presence down low, tallying eight points, three boards, and one block in just 17 minutes of action.Upcoming Duke vs. Kansas Showdown
Next up for Duke (4 - 1, 0 - 0 ACC) is a highly anticipated blueblood showdown against No. 1 Kansas (5 - 0, 0 - 0 Big 12) in Las Vegas’ T - Mobile Arena at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday. This is a crucial game for Duke as they look to continue their winning streak and make a statement in the college basketball world.Guard/Forward Cooper Flagg's Performance
Cooper Flagg's performance on Friday night was truly remarkable. His ability to score 24 points on a relatively low shooting percentage shows his skill and determination on the court. He was able to get to the rim at will and finish with ease, often drawing fouls and converting at the free throw line. His six rebounds also demonstrated his tenacity and willingness to contribute on both ends of the floor. In addition to his scoring and rebounding, Flagg's three assists showed his ability to make plays for his teammates and run the offense effectively. His one steal and two blocks added to his all - around game, making him a force to be reckoned with.Guard/Forward Kon Knueppel's Impact
Kon Knueppel's performance in the second half was a game - changer. His three 3 - point shots in quick succession gave Duke a much - needed boost and helped them pull away from Arizona. His shooting touch from beyond the arc was on point, and he showed great confidence in his abilities. Knueppel's ability to make big shots in crucial moments is a valuable asset for Duke. His six total points may not seem like a lot, but his impact on the game cannot be understated. He provided a spark off the bench and helped keep Duke's offense flowing.Center Khaman Maluach's Presence
Khaman Maluach's performance in a limited amount of time was impressive. Despite playing only 17 minutes, he was able to make an impact on both ends of the floor. His eight points showed his ability to score in the paint and his three rebounds demonstrated his rebounding prowess. Maluach's one block was a key defensive play that helped prevent Arizona from getting easy baskets. His presence in the low post gave Duke a different dimension and allowed them to control the paint. His ability to play with energy and intensity was a welcome sight for Duke fans.Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more Duke basketball news as they prepare for their upcoming showdown against No. 1 Kansas.
