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Duke`s 87-70 victory over UNC featured standout performances from Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, showcasing their dominance.

Duke men`s basketball showcased their dominance in a heated rivalry against North Carolina, securing an impressive 87-70 victory at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils, now boasting a record of 19-2 and a perfect 11-0 in ACC play, set the tone early with a staggering 16-0 run, establishing a lead that ballooned to 30 points at one stage.

Freshman Cooper Flagg led the charge for Duke, delivering a standout performance with 21 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. His contributions were complemented by Kon Knueppel, who scored 22 points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting, and Tyrese Proctor, who added 17 points along with five assists. Duke`s offensive prowess was evident as they shot 53% from the field and drained 10 three-pointers, effectively overwhelming the Tar Heels with their size and precision.

North Carolina, now sitting at 13-10 and 6-5 in ACC play, struggled to find their rhythm against Duke`s relentless defense. The Tar Heels committed 14 turnovers, which the Blue Devils capitalized on for 19 points. RJ Davis and Drake Powell each managed to score 12 points for UNC, but their poor shooting performance in the first half, where they only hit 30% of their attempts, left them trailing significantly at halftime, 47-25.

Despite a late surge from North Carolina, Duke maintained control throughout the game, extending their impressive 15-game win streak. The Blue Devils` defensive strength was highlighted by forcing nine turnovers in the first half alone, converting those opportunities into 11 points. The night was capped off by freshman Isaiah Evans, who hit his first career three-pointer against North Carolina, further solidifying Duke`s commanding lead.

For more insights on this thrilling matchup, check out the NCAAB recap and additional details on college basketball.

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