Duke secured a 74-64 victory over NC State, marking their 14th consecutive win. Despite a strong start from the Wolfpack, Duke's second-half surge, led by Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, sealed the game. The victory was also a sentimental moment for Knueppel, whose great-grandfather played for NC State.
In an intense ACC matchup, the Duke Blue Devils extended their winning streak to 14 games by defeating the NC State Wolfpack 74-64. The game, held at Cameron Indoor Stadium, saw Duke overcoming a strong first-half performance by NC State to secure their victory. This win not only solidifies Duke's position as a top contender in college basketball but also carries a personal significance for freshman Kon Knueppel, whose family has deep ties to NC State.
Duke's victory over NC State was marked by a remarkable second-half performance. After trailing for much of the first half, the Blue Devils found their rhythm, with key plays from Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel. Flagg's layup and dunk helped Duke reclaim the lead at 41-37, a lead they maintained for the rest of the game. Despite NC State's attempts to close the gap, including a three-pointer from Dontrez Styles, Duke's defense and strategic plays ensured their win. The Blue Devils' ability to capitalize on NC State's scoring droughts and maintain pressure was crucial in their 74-64 victory [1].
The game held a special significance for Duke's freshman guard Kon Knueppel, whose great-grandfather, Arthur 'Bud' Rose, was a notable player for NC State in the early 1930s. Knueppel's mother, Chari Nordgaard Knueppel, expressed her emotions about her son's performance against NC State, highlighting the family's historical connection to the Wolfpack. This game represented a full-circle moment for the Knueppel family, blending past and present basketball legacies. Despite the familial ties, Knueppel's focus remained on contributing to Duke's success, where he is averaging 12.8 points per game [2].
NC State entered the game against Duke with hopes of breaking their losing streak, but their efforts fell short. The Wolfpack has been struggling, with this game marking their fifth consecutive loss. Despite a promising start, NC State was unable to maintain their early momentum. Their shooting accuracy diminished in the second half, allowing Duke to capitalize on their mistakes. Marcus Hill and Jayden Taylor were key players for NC State, but their contributions were not enough to overcome Duke's defensive strategy. The Wolfpack will need to reassess their approach as they prepare for upcoming games [3].
Duke's victory over NC State highlights their dominance in the ACC and sets the stage for their upcoming rivalry game against North Carolina. The Blue Devils' ability to adapt and execute under pressure was evident in their second-half performance. For Kon Knueppel, the game was not only a professional success but also a personal milestone, connecting his family's basketball heritage with his current achievements. As Duke continues their winning streak, NC State faces challenges in overcoming their recent losses and finding their footing in the season.
"Watching him play vs. State adds a whole new level, knowing his great grandfather had similar experiences on Tobacco Road nearly 100 years ago." - Chari Nordgaard Knueppel