No. 9 Duke Upsets No. 2 Auburn in ACC/SEC Challenge
The college basketball world was rocked on Wednesday night when No. 9 Duke pulled off a thrilling 84-78 upset over No. 2 Auburn in the highly anticipated ACC/SEC Challenge. The Blue Devils handed Auburn their first loss of the season in a statement victory that showcased the potential of their young squad. Here’s how Duke managed to take down one of the nation’s top teams in a game filled with drama, momentum swings, and standout performances.
Game Highlights
The first half painted a tough picture for undefeated Auburn as the Tigers jumped out to an 11-point lead, capitalizing on Duke’s early struggles. However, the Blue Devils flipped the script by closing the first half on a dominant run, led by the red-hot shooting of freshman Isaiah Evans. Duke carried that momentum into the second half with more balanced offensive execution and stifling defense, spearheaded by Cooper Flagg.
Auburn attempted to claw back late in the second half, cutting Duke’s lead to just two points in the final minutes. However, missed opportunities, including key free throws and late turnovers, cost the Tigers dearly. Duke’s composure in crunch time sealed the victory, making this game a defining moment for their season.
Player Performances
Several standout performances were on display in this battle of heavyweights:
- Isaiah Evans: The freshman sensation caught fire in the first half, knocking down six three-pointers en route to an 18-point effort. His perimeter shooting cut into Auburn’s early lead and gave Duke the momentum they needed heading into the second half.
- Cooper Flagg: Another Duke freshman, Flagg showed why he’s considered one of the nation’s top talents. He finished with an impressive 22 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, showcasing his ability to impact the game on both ends of the court.
- Johni Broome and Tahaad Pettiford: For Auburn, Broome and Pettiford carried the offensive load, each scoring 20 points. Their efforts kept Auburn within striking distance, but ultimately, it wasn’t enough to close the gap in the final minutes.
Coach’s Reaction
Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl was candid about his team’s shortcomings in his postgame press conference.
“Tonight, we faced a tough, disciplined Duke team that made key plays when it mattered. We have to be better in transition and clean up our free-throw shooting if we want to compete with the best.”
Associate head coach Steven Pearl echoed his father’s sentiments, adding that games like this are part of the journey for a championship contender. “These are the kinds of matchups that prepare you for March. We’ll learn from this and bounce back stronger,” he said.
Impact on Rankings
Though Auburn entered the game ranked No. 2 in the AP Top 25, their first loss of the season may cost them a spot or two in the coming rankings. However, given the competitive nature of the game and Duke’s high standing, Auburn is expected to remain among the top teams in the country.
Duke’s victory, on the other hand, solidifies their position as a legitimate championship contender. With other notable teams suffering losses this week, the rankings could see a significant shake-up, making every game in the weeks ahead even more critical.
Conclusion
Duke’s 84-78 victory over Auburn in the ACC/SEC Challenge is a perfect example of why college basketball remains one of the most exciting sports. This clash of titans had everything: high stakes, explosive plays, and rising stars stepping into the spotlight. The Blue Devils will look to build on this momentum as they continue to gel as a team, while the Tigers will regroup and aim to address the flaws that surfaced during their first loss of the season.
Looking ahead, Duke will next face a tough non-conference opponent, while Auburn dives deeper into their SEC schedule. Both teams remain on a collision course for deep March Madness runs, and fans should circle their calendars for possible rematches in the postseason.