In this article, we take a close look at the Nc State Wolfpack Men’s Basketball versus Duke Blue Devils Men’s Basketball match with a focus on player stats and game events. We explore the latest information on the game, breaking down player performances, team trends, and key moments that contributed to the final score. Written in simple language and from the perspective of an expert on college basketball, this report provides clarity on what happened during the game. We will share insights and even personal observations that bring added context to the numbers, making the statistics more relatable. Key Takeaways

  • Duke won the game 74-64 against NC State.
  • Cooper Flagg led Duke with 28 points and 7 rebounds.
  • Dontrez Styles was NC State’s top scorer with 18 points.
  • The match was decided largely by Duke’s strong second-half performance.
  • Key moments include runs by both teams; NC State led early but Duke closed strong.

Game Overview

The game played on January 28, 2025, at the famous Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina was an exciting contest between the top-ranked Duke Blue Devils and the NC State Wolfpack. Duke managed to secure a 74-64 victory with a strong second-half performance. The match was filled with twists and turns. While NC State started well and built early leads, Duke quickly responded with a series of runs that put them ahead. This article reviews the main events, detailed player stats, and expert opinions on the game.

Team Statistics and Highlights

Below is a table summarizing the key player statistics from the match:

Team Player Points Rebounds Assists
Duke Blue Devils Cooper Flagg 28 7 0
Duke Blue Devils Kon Knueppel 19 6 0
Duke Blue Devils Sion James 13 4 3
NC State Wolfpack Dontrez Styles 18 – –
NC State Wolfpack Trey Parker 15 – –
NC State Wolfpack Brandon Huntley-Hatfield 10 – –

Breakdown of the Game

In this match, both teams had moments of brilliance. Here are the main phases of the game:

  1. First Half Dominance: NC State started strong with a series of successful three-point shots and runs that allowed them to take an early lead. They achieved an impressive shooting percentage of 48.4% from the field and were 7-of-12 from three-point range during the first half.
  2. Mid-Half Shifts: Duke fine-tuned their strategy by marking key players and countering NC State’s momentum. At one point, Duke went on an 8-0 run to narrow the gap, making the score 23-19.
  3. End of First Half Surge: NC State responded with a 12-3 run to reach a 35-22 lead, but Duke closed the half by scoring the final seven points, reducing the gap to a four-point margin.
  4. Second Half Comeback: Duke took control early in the second half by opening a 45-37 lead and maintained pressure until the end. This strong performance allowed them to overcome NC State’s early leads.

Each phase of the game showed the teams’ strengths and strategic adjustments. The shifts in momentum highlighted the need for endurance and tactical responses during the different phases of a basketball game.

Player Performances in Detail

The players’ contributions on both sides of the court made a big difference in the flow of the match. Here is a closer look:

  • Duke Blue Devils:
    • Cooper Flagg was the standout player. His scoring of 28 points drove his team, supported by 7 rebounds which helped in both offense and defense.
    • Kon Knueppel played a vital part in balancing the scoring, adding 19 points and collecting 6 rebounds which contributed to the team’s overall strength.
    • Sion James brought in extra value with 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. His contributions may seem modest numerically, but his impact on playmaking was significant.
  • NC State Wolfpack:
    • Dontrez Styles led his team with 18 points, also tying his career record by hitting four three-pointers. His shooting performance was a highlight of the game despite the loss.
    • Trey Parker came off the bench to score a career-high 15 points, demonstrating the depth of NC State’s roster and providing essential energy during critical moments.
    • Brandon Huntley-Hatfield contributed 10 points, supporting his teammates and playing essential roles in both offense and defense.

Using tables, ordered and unordered lists, and clear headings makes these stats easier to digest. This method is especially helpful for busy readers or those new to following sports statistics.