Freshmen Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel Help No. 7 Duke Roll Past Maine 96–62 in Season Opener

Freshmen Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel Help No. 7 Duke Roll Past Maine 96–62 in Season Opener
Duke's Kon Knueppel (7) handles the ball as Maine's Kellen Tynes (1) defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Durham, N.C., on Nov. 4, 2024. Ben McKeown/AP Photo
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DURHAM, N.C.—Star freshman Cooper Flagg had 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in his college debut, and No. 7 Duke beat Maine 96-62 on Monday night in the season opener for both teams.

The 6-foot-9, 205-pound Flagg—the nation’s top-ranked recruit and a preseason Associated Press All-American—made 6 of 15 shots and all six of his free throws. Fellow rookie Kon Knueppel powered the offense with 22 points and three 3-pointers for the Blue Devils (1–0), who shot 55.6 percent for the game.