Amber Aniston • December 31, 2024

No. 4 Duke Overpowers Virginia Tech 88-65 in ACC Home Opener

The No. 4 Duke Blue Devils showcased their depth and dominance in an 88-65 victory over the Virginia Tech Hokies at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Tuesday night. Led by freshman Cooper Flagg’s standout performance, Duke extended its winning streak to seven games and improved to 11-2 overall and 3-0 in ACC play. 



A Balanced Attack 

Duke demonstrated its offensive versatility with six players scoring in double figures. Cooper Flagg led all scorers with 24 points, adding six assists and four steals to his stat line. Sion James recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Tyrese Proctor and Kon Knueppel each added 13 points. 


The Blue Devils also displayed precision at the free-throw line, making all 15 of their attempts. Their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities was evident throughout the game as they maintained control from start to finish. 

 


Early Competitive Moments 

The game began with both teams trading leads in the opening minutes. Virginia Tech forward Tobi Lawal’s dunk gave the Hokies a brief 16-14 advantage midway through the first half. However, Duke quickly regained the lead with a four-point play by Flagg, sparking a 17-2 run that put the Blue Devils firmly in control. 


Duke’s defense stifled Virginia Tech, forcing turnovers and limiting the Hokies to contested shots. By halftime, Duke held a 37-27 lead, using a 15-2 edge in second-chance points to establish a comfortable margin. 



Second-Half Surge 

Duke opened the second half on a 6-0 run, extending its lead to 16 points and setting the tone for the remainder of the game. Proctor and Isaiah Evans connected on back-to-back three-pointers, while Flagg continued to dominate on both ends of the floor. 


The Blue Devils’ defense held Virginia Tech without a field goal for over three minutes, allowing Duke to push its lead to 18 points. Their dominance in the paint was evident, outscoring the Hokies 38-22 inside and outrebounding them 35-22. 

 


Virginia Tech’s Bright Spots 

Despite the loss, Virginia Tech showed flashes of promise, particularly from Tobi Lawal, who scored a team-high 19 points. Lawal’s three-point shooting and athletic dunks kept the Hokies competitive in stretches. 


The Hokies’ bench outscored their starters 35-30, providing depth that could be a key asset in the remainder of the season. However, their struggles on defense and inability to match Duke’s scoring runs ultimately cost them. 

 


Key Takeaways 

Duke’s performance highlighted their depth and unselfish play. The team’s ability to share the ball, with 17 assists on 30 made field goals, underscores their offensive cohesion. Flagg’s continued emergence as a leader and playmaker adds a new dimension to the Blue Devils’ attack. 


Virginia Tech, now 5-8 overall and 0-2 in the ACC, will need to address defensive lapses and find more consistency in their offensive execution as they prepare for the remainder of conference play. 



Historical Context 

The victory marked Duke’s 18th consecutive win in an ACC home opener and extended their dominant record against Virginia Tech at Cameron Indoor Stadium to 24-1. The Blue Devils’ unblemished December record also represents the first perfect December under head coach Jon Scheyer. 


 

Looking Ahead 

Duke will face SMU on Saturday in their first ACC road game of the season. With their balanced scoring and defensive discipline, the Blue Devils appear poised to maintain their momentum and contend for the ACC title. 


Virginia Tech returns to action against Miami at home, seeking to rebound from the loss and secure their first ACC victory of the season. The Hokies will need to improve defensively and find ways to capitalize on scoring opportunities against a struggling Hurricanes squad. 



A Statement Win 

Duke’s 88-65 triumph over Virginia Tech underscores their strength as a top contender in the ACC and nationally. With key players stepping up and their depth on full display, the Blue Devils appear ready to make a deep run this season. 


Virginia Tech, though facing challenges, showed glimpses of potential that could fuel their improvement in the coming games. Both teams now turn their focus to the rigorous ACC schedule, with aspirations of making an impact in one of college basketball’s most competitive conferences. 

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