Cooper Flagg and the Duke Blue Devils cruised to a commanding victory, handing Illinois the largest defeat in their program’s history. Under the dazzling lights of Madison Square Garden, in front of 19,812 fans and millions more watching on television, Duke showcased their championship potential, aiming for their first national title since 2015 this April in San Antonio.
The Blue Devils didn’t merely win against Illinois during the SentinelOne Classic; they dominated the game from the opening tip-off. They rolled to an impressive 110-67 victory, marking a historic low for the Illini, who faced the most significant loss in their storied history.
The early moments of the game set the tone, as Sion James, who had only made multiple three-pointers in a game three times this season, sank two shots from beyond the arc within the first three minutes. Tyrese Proctor and Isaiah Evans combined for 20 points, slicing through the Illinois defense with ease. Meanwhile, Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach, both projected to be early draft picks this June, demonstrated their skills on the big stage.
Defensively, Duke was relentless. They stifled the Illini’s shooting, limiting them to a dismal 2-for-26 from three-point range. Brad Underwood’s squad came into the game averaging 9.4 three-pointers per game, yet the Blue Devils’ defense made a powerful statement. This physical domination over a Big Ten opponent should serve as a wake-up call to the rest of college basketball.
Duke has answered every challenge thrown their way, including skepticism regarding the strength of the ACC following early losses to Kentucky and Kansas. This team, under Coach Jon Scheyer, has evolved since November, proving they possess the talent and determination needed to compete for a national championship.
