In a thrilling match at Clemson, South Carolina, the Clemson Tigers delivered a stunning performance against the mighty Duke Blue Devils, ending their impressive 16-game winning streak. Key player Viktor Lakhin showcased his skills by scoring an impressive 22 points, leading Clemson to a 77-71 victory over the No. 2 team in the nation on Saturday night.
The game also highlighted Clemson's strategic prowess, as they effectively neutralized Duke's star player, Cooper Flagg, for the majority of the game. This win not only snapped Duke's streak but also ended their bid for an unbeaten regular season in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Supporting Lakhin's effort, Chase Hunter contributed 14 points, while Ian Schieffelin had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. With this victory, Clemson improved their impressive season record to 19-5 and an ACC standing of 11-2.
Earlier in the day, there was potential for Duke to ascend to the top of the national rankings, as No. 1 ranked Auburn experienced an unexpected defeat to Florida, losing 90-81. However, Clemson's resilience denied Duke the opportunity to capitalize on this opening, keeping them at a strong 20-3 but short of the top rank with a 12-1 ACC score.
Duke's Tyrese Proctor was a bright spot, scoring 23 points, with Flagg adding 18, despite shooting struggles evident with a 6-of-17 performance. The Tigers, trailing by six points at halftime, launched a formidable 12-0 scoring run in the second half, seizing a 56-49 lead and setting the momentum for the remainder of the game.
A decisive moment came as Chase Hunter blocked a potential game-changing layup by Proctor with just 7.9 seconds left, securing the Tigers' victory. Duke faced challenges with player availability, notably with Mason Gillis sidelined due to illness, which impacted their depth and performance.
Reflecting on prior challenges, Clemson demonstrated tenacity following a tough triple-overtime loss to Georgia Tech earlier that week. This victory adds another significant win to their season, having previously defeated top-ranked Kentucky at home.
Despite some shortcomings in free-throw accuracy, making only 13 out of 22 attempts, Clemson's collective effort and strategic execution were pivotal. Meanwhile, Flagg's critical slip and turnover in the final moments proved costly for Duke.
Looking ahead, Duke will attempt to regroup as they host California on Wednesday night, while Clemson prepares for another tough matchup hosting North Carolina on Monday night. The season continues to be unpredictable, emphasizing the volatile and thrilling nature of college basketball. For fans following the AP Top 25 and college basketball news, staying updated with team developments and rankings will be crucial as the tournament progresses.
