Seven games into Cooper Flagg’s college basketball career, one thing is clear.
Duke is banking on him in big games.
The freshman star is playing big minutes – and putting up big numbers – against the top college hoops teams while taking his foot off the gas against lesser opponents.
On Nov. 12, during the Blue Devils’ first loss of the season to Kentucky, Flagg dropped a season-high 26 points while playing 32 minutes.
Ten days later, Flagg scored 24 points in a whopping 38 minutes to propel Duke to a win over Arizona.
Although he didn’t have a big scoring night, Flagg again played 38 minutes during a loss to Kansas last Tuesday.
In all four of his other games, facing off against Seattle, Wofford, Army and Maine, Flagg played 30 or fewer minutes and scored no more than 18 points.
It’s safe to say Wednesday night’s contest against the undefeated and No. 2 ranked Auburn will fall into the former category.
The Tigers are 7-0, but their success has largely been on the backs of their high-powered offense rather than their defense.
Auburn ranks 73rd in defensive efficiency and 65th in points allowed per game (66.6).
Betting on College Basketball?
Flagg will draw big man Johni Broome, a college hoops star in his own right, who is a solid defender but doesn’t quite match up with in terms of mobility.
Look for Flagg to break the 20-point mark again.
The play: Cooper Flagg to score 20 or more points (-107, Caesars Sportsbook)
