THE CHAMPIONSHIP favourite is still in the hunt, after the Duke Blue Devils did enough to hold on for a seven-point win over the Arizona Wildcats in a blockbuster clash in the NCAA National Tournament on Friday.

Duke has been the team to beat all season, boasting the projected first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft as its main star, along with another two likely top-10 selections in the lineup as well. The Wildcats have enjoyed a tremendous season on the back of their big recruit, but the Blue Devils are currently the toughest task in college basketball.

In a high-scoring clash, it was a tussle throughout the first half, with the Blue Devils nailing a three on the buzzer to take a six-point buffer into the main break. However, Arizona’s offence lifted in the second half, giving the title favourites a reasonable scare. However, the pure star power on Duke’s roster ensured that production could be matched, and the Blue Devils held on for a seven-point triumph.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will be casting an eye over how the key players performed in the match, as some of the NCAAM’s best and brightest continue to display their craft on a nightly basis.

Duke Blue Devils (100) def. Arizona Wildcats (93)

Duke:

#2 Cooper Flagg
Forward | 21/12/2006 | 206cm

It was a superstar calibre performance from Flagg, who again demonstrated why he is considered a generational talent with another magnificent outing under bright lights. Just seemingly always made something happen on both ends of the floor, despite the constant defensive attention that is brought to him. He nailed the buzzer-beating three-pointer to end the half and give the Blue Devils some breathing space in an important play for Duke given the challenge the Wildcats were presenting. He also had a huge block in the second half that helped flip momentum back to his team and showed the two-way impact he possesses. He finished with 30 points, six rebounds, seven assists and three blocks in yet another big time showing.

#7 Kon Knueppel
Guard | 03/08/2005 | 201cm

The guard is another player in top-10 contention for the Blue Devils this season, and was again mightily impactful on the offensive end for his team in the win. Although his effectiveness is streaky at times, it was one of Knueppel’s more efficient outings, and again benefited from the defensive attention Flagg drew. The guard stayed ready off the ball while his star teammate drew in multiple defenders, and made every post a winner when firing off a shot. He nailed five of his seven attempts from the field, and went a perfect 2/2 from behind the arc and 8/9 from the charity stripe on his way to 20 points for the match, the second-most of any Duke player.

#9 Khaman Maluach
Center | 14/09/2006 | 218cm

The big man was a dominant two-way force once again for the Blue Devils, and has consistently made his presence known throughout the start of the National Tournament. His ability to score in the low block is a huge positive for Duke, and his impact on both ends of the floor is exactly why he is expected to be selected in the top 10 of this year’s draft in a few months’ time. He recorded four blocks and made the Wildcats think twice when driving into the paint. He also posted 13 points and six rebounds on 6/7 shooting from the field to top off a huge outing from Duke’s big three.

Arizona:

#1 Caleb Love
Guard | 27/09/2001 | 193cm

The Wildcats’ big recruit did all he could despite the final result, and put Arizona on his back on the offensive end. Love can hold his head high after fighting tooth and nail in what was his final performance in the collegiate system. He built a reputation for being a big game player during his time with North Carolina, and had the Wildcats not been matched up with Duke this early, could have led his new team deep into the tournament. He finished the contest with a game-high 35 points on 11/21 shooting from the field and 5/11 shooting from behind the arc in a typically impressive display.