**Flagg Struggles As Duke Falls To Kentucky**

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Post on Nov 13, 2024

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Flagg Struggles as Duke Falls to Kentucky in a Tight Contest

The Duke Blue Devils suffered a tough loss on Saturday, falling to the Kentucky Wildcats 75-63 in a hard-fought game. While the game was close throughout, Duke's star freshman, Dereck Lively II, struggled mightily, ultimately playing a key role in the Blue Devils' defeat.

Lively's Struggles Hurt Duke

Lively, who entered the game averaging 10.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, had a night to forget. He managed just 2 points on 1-for-8 shooting and grabbed only 4 rebounds. The freshman center was visibly frustrated throughout the game, struggling to find his rhythm both offensively and defensively.

Kentucky's strong interior defense, led by the dominant presence of Oscar Tshiebwe, clearly posed a challenge for Lively. Tshiebwe, a reigning national player of the year, dominated the paint with 22 points and 14 rebounds, showcasing his physicality and experience.

Duke's Offense Struggles Despite Solid Shooting

Despite Lively's struggles, Duke's offense was relatively efficient, shooting 46.7% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range. However, they struggled to find consistency, particularly in the second half, where Kentucky's defense tightened and forced several turnovers.

Jeremy Roach led Duke's scoring efforts with 18 points, including 4 three-pointers. Tyrese Proctor added 15 points and Mark Mitchell contributed 10 points. However, the Blue Devils' lack of depth in the frontcourt proved costly against a tough and physical Kentucky team.

Takeaways From the Game

While the loss is certainly disappointing, it's important to remember that this is a young Duke team still finding its identity. This game highlighted the importance of strong interior play, particularly against teams like Kentucky that possess a dominant presence in the paint.

This loss will serve as a valuable learning experience for Lively and the rest of the Duke team. They now have an opportunity to learn from their mistakes, adjust their approach, and prepare for the challenges ahead.

Looking forward, Duke will need to find ways to get Lively more involved and help him overcome the challenges he faced against Kentucky. If they can improve their interior game and maintain their offensive efficiency, they'll remain a formidable force in the ACC.