Duke Stuns North Carolina 87-84 in Overtime as Cooper Flagg Scores 34 Points in Cameron Indoor Classic

Cooper Flagg announced himself as a legitimate Player of the Year candidate on Saturday afternoon at Cameron Indoor Stadium, scoring 34 points and grabbing 11 rebounds to lead Duke to a stunning 87-84 overtime victory over North Carolina in what many considered the game of the year in college basketball. The 19-year-old freshman was absolutely magnificent throughout the contest, playing all 45 minutes while showcasing the complete skill set that made him the most coveted recruit in the nation just nine months ago.

The highly anticipated rivalry clash began with both teams understanding the stakes involved, as North Carolina entered the game ranked second in the nation while Duke was fighting to secure their NCAA Tournament positioning. The Tar Heels appeared to control the tempo through the first half behind the brilliant play of junior guard RJ Davis, who scored 19 points before intermission while consistently finding ways to attack Dukes aggressive defensive schemes. Carolina led 44-38 at halftime despite Flaggs early excellence, setting up a second half that would become an instant classic.

Flagg took complete control of the game during the opening minutes of the second half, scoring 12 consecutive Duke points during a stretch that saw the Blue Devils erase their deficit and take their first lead since early in the first period. The Maine natives versatility was on full display as he knocked down three-pointers, attacked the rim with authority, and even facilitated for teammates when the Tar Heels focused their defensive attention on stopping his individual brilliance. His emotional intensity throughout the comeback was infectious, lifting his teammates while energizing the legendary Cameron Crazies.

Regulation ended with the teams deadlocked at 78-78 after North Carolina guard Elliot Cadeau hit a contested three-pointer with 12 seconds remaining to force overtime, setting up five additional minutes of basketball that had the capacity crowd of 9,314 on their feet throughout the extra session. Both teams appeared exhausted as they headed to overtime, but Flagg showed no signs of fatigue as he continued attacking the basket with the same aggression he had displayed throughout the previous 40 minutes of action.

The overtime period was pure theater as both teams traded crucial baskets while the Cameron Indoor Stadium crowd provided a deafening soundtrack that exemplified why college basketballs greatest rivalry remains must-see television. Flagg was clutch when his team needed him most, scoring 8 points in the extra session including the game-winning basket with 47 seconds remaining. His step-back jumper over Carolina forward Jalen Washington was the shot of a veteran player, demonstrating poise and confidence that belied his freshman status.

The victory significantly boosts Dukes NCAA Tournament resume while dealing a crushing blow to North Carolinas hopes of securing a number one seed in March Madness. Coach Jon Scheyer was emotional following the game, noting that performances like this demonstrate why Duke remains capable of competing with anyone in college basketball when their best players rise to the occasion. As Flagg was mobbed by teammates and fans following the dramatic victory, the college basketball world was reminded that March Madness begins long before the actual tournament, with games like this providing the kind of drama and excitement that makes college basketball such a compelling sport throughout the winter months.