Charlotte, North Carolina – Duke University overcame a slow start to defeat Georgia Tech in the ACC tournament quarterfinals on Thursday, showcasing their resilience and depth despite losing star player Cooper Flagg to an ankle injury in the first half.

The No. 1 Blue Devils struggled in the first half, trailing by five points at halftime. After Flagg’s departure due to an ankle sprain, Duke rallied in the second half, outscoring Georgia Tech to secure a 78-70 victory.

Following Flagg’s injury, Duke’s Coach Jon Scheyer confirmed that X-rays were negative, but Flagg was deemed “doubtful” to return to the game. Despite the setback, the Blue Devils showed composure and focus in the absence of their key player.

Flagg, expected to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, had a limited impact on the game with just two points before exiting. His absence provided an opportunity for other players to step up, with Kon Knueppel leading Duke with 28 points.

The victory propels Duke into the semifinals, where they will face the winner of the Wake Forest and North Carolina matchup. As they look ahead to the next round, Duke will monitor Flagg’s recovery closely to assess his availability for future games.

The resilient performance by Duke exemplified their depth and adaptability, showcasing their ability to overcome adversity and emerge victorious in crucial moments. With Flagg’s status uncertain moving forward, the Blue Devils will rely on their collective strength and team cohesion to continue their quest for a championship.

As Duke progresses through the ACC tournament, the team’s resilience, skill, and determination will be key factors in their pursuit of a conference title and a successful postseason campaign. The Blue Devils’ ability to overcome challenges and perform under pressure bodes well for their prospects in the tournament and beyond.