Duke Blue Devils Secure 100-65 Victory Over Florida State Despite Cooper Flagg's Eye Injury
Image credits: Duke Athletics
The Duke Blue Devils secured a decisive 100-65 victory over the Florida State Seminoles, with star freshman Cooper Flagg making a remarkable return to the game after suffering an eye injury in the first half. Flagg's dedication to the team was evident as he finished the game with 16 points on 5-for-9 shooting, despite initial concerns about his vision and overall well-being.
Flagg's injury occurred when he was poked in the eye during a hard foul, prompting him to leave the game with over 11 minutes remaining in the first half. The team's eye doctor evaluated him, and he was eventually cleared to return to the court for the second half. His teammates and coaches praised his toughness and resilience, with teammate Sion James noting that Flagg is one of the toughest guys he's ever played with. Coach Jon Scheyer described the injury as a bruised eyelid and expressed his concern for Flagg's well-being, given his own experience with an eye injury that ended his professional career overseas.
Despite being without starting point guard Tyrese Proctor and injured backup forward Maliq Brown, the Blue Devils dominated the game, leading 47-30 at the break. Flagg's return to the court was a significant factor in the team's success, as he played a crucial role in extending their double-digit lead. The game was broadcast on the ACC Network, with streaming options available on Fubo and ESPN+. The final score was a testament to the team's cohesion and ability to adapt to adversity.
The Duke vs. Florida State game was highly anticipated, with the Blue Devils seeking to clinch the ACC regular-season championship. The team's odds of winning were favorable, with a 22.5-point spread and an over/under of 149.5 points. The moneyline odds were -8000 for Duke and +2200 for Florida State. The game's outcome was a significant step towards the Blue Devils' goal, and they will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming games.
The following are the match scores and player statistics:
- Duke Blue Devils: 100
- Florida State Seminoles: 65
- Cooper Flagg: 16 points, 5-for-9 shooting
- Sion James: praised Flagg's toughness and resilience
- Coach Jon Scheyer: described the injury as a bruised eyelid and expressed concern for Flagg's well-being
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