In an impressive display of talent, Duke freshman Cooper Flagg scored 42 points in an 86-78 win against Notre Dame at Cameron Indoor Stadium, enhancing his reputation as a likely top pick in June’s NBA draft.

This 42-point performance marks the highest score by a freshman in both Duke’s history and the ACC, falling just one point shy of the overall school record of 43, established by Jeff Mullins on March 13, 1964, during the NCAA Eastern Regionals against Villanova.

Prior to Flagg’s achievement, the freshman scoring record was held by Zion Williamson, who scored 35 points against Syracuse in 2019.

Flagg became the first Blue Devil since JJ Redick in 2006 to score 40 or more points in a single game. He showcased an exceptional shooting performance, knocking down 11 of 14 shots overall, including 4 of 6 from beyond the arc, and converting 16 of 17 free throws. Additionally, he contributed seven assists and six rebounds.

Duke (14-2, 6-0) kicked off the game with a powerful start, scoring the first 14 points and managing to extend their lead to 18 in the second half. However, Notre Dame fought back, going on a 15-1 run to narrow the score to 80-76 with just 24 seconds remaining. Flagg’s four crucial free throws helped halt Notre Dame’s momentum and secured the win for the Blue Devils, who maintained a strong shooting percentage of 53% and out-rebounded the Fighting Irish 34 to 21.

For Notre Dame (7-9, 1-4), Markus Burton led the scoring with 23 points, aided by 14 successful three-pointers that kept the game competitive.