Kon Knueppel scored a game-high 20 points to lead second-ranked Duke past Miami for a 97-60 Atlantic Coast Conference win on Tuesday night in Coral Gables, Fla.
Cooper Flagg, the projected first overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft, added 16 points, five rebounds and six assists for Duke (25-3, 16-1 ACC).
Blue Devils reserve Isaiah Evans added 16 points — all of them in a first half in which he made 5-of-6 3-point attempts.
However, Duke suffered a key injury in the first half: Starting wing Tyrese Proctor hurt his left knee and did not return.
Duke is already without backup forward Maliq Brown, who has a separated left shoulder but is expected to return in time for next month’s ACC tournament.
Miami (6-22, 2-15), which is enduring its worst season in 31 years, is unlikely to make the ACC tournament. That means the Hurricanes have three games left, including one more at home.
On Tuesday, the Hurricanes were led by Lynn Kidd (17 points) and Jalil Bethea (13 points).
Miami was without its top two scorers as Matthew Cleveland and Nigel Pack were down due to injuries.
Duke, which never trailed, got off to a 15-2 start. The Blue Devils closed the first half with a 47-32 lead.
Evans led all first-half scorers with 16 points. Flagg added 11 points and four assists.
Also in the first half, Duke — with a 19-9 edge on points off turnovers — shot 61.5 percent from the floor as well as on 3-point attempts (8-for-13). Miami shot just 37.5 percent from the floor, including 4-for-17 from deep (23.5 percent).
Duke dominated the second half.
For the game, Duke shot 56.1 percent overall and 15-for-25 on 3-point tries (60 percent).
Miami shot 39.1 percent overall and 5-for-25 on 3-point attempts (20 percent).
Tuesday’s game featured an interesting side angle as Duke associate head coach Jai Lucas, 36, has emerged as the focus of Miami’s coaching search.
Former Miami coach Jim Larranaga retired in December, and Bill Courtney is serving as the interim coach.
In the stands on Tuesday were the Boozer twins — Miami prep basketball stars Cameron and Cayden — who have committed to play for Duke next season.
–Field Level Media
