NEWARK, N.J. — Thursday night delivered an unforgettable spectacle at the Prudential Center, showcasing two of college basketball's brightest stars — Cooper Flagg and Caleb Love — during an exhilarating regional semifinal showdown in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

As the tournament unfolded, the heavyweight clash between the top-seeded Duke Blue Devils and the fourth-seeded Arizona Wildcats highlighted the championship-level intensity that fans crave. In a night filled with surprises, Alabama also dazzled with a staggering 25 three-pointers, setting a tournament record with 113 points against BYU, but the main event was undoubtedly Flagg versus Love.

This highly anticipated duel saw Flagg (a freshman) and Love (a fifth-year senior) combine for an astonishing 65 points, shooting 50% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. Duke prevailed with a thrilling 100-93 victory, securing their place in the Final Four, where they'll face Alabama.

Flagg put forth a career-best performance, racking up 30 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and three blocks. The 18-year-old emerged as a surefire No. 1 pick for the upcoming NBA Draft, displaying unmatched versatility on the court. He executed an array of scoring techniques, sinking three of five three-point attempts and making an impressive array of nine different types of shots.

One particularly pivotal moment came just before halftime, when Flagg buried a deep three-pointer, extending Duke's lead from a tie to 48-42. Arizona's coach, Tommy Lloyd, later noted that Flagg's ability to penetrate the defense was problematic, saying, “We couldn’t keep him in front of us.”

Statistically, Flagg's performance made history, marking the best game by a freshman in NCAA Tournament history. He became the first player ever to record at least 30 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three blocks in a single tournament matchup.

On the opposite bench, Caleb Love delivered a remarkable performance in what would become his final college game. He scored a record-setting 35 points for Arizona, while astonishingly committing zero turnovers against a tough Duke defense. This accomplishment placed him among an elite group of players who've had multiple 20-point games against Duke in NCAA Tournament history.

Duke coach Jon Scheyer acknowledged Love's outstanding talent, stating, “We knew it was going to be him at his best in this game.” Despite the loss, Love's teammates showered him with praise, highlighting his leadership throughout the season. Guard Jaden Bradley remarked, "He really took all of us under his wing. He's a leader."

Love’s journey was anything but simple. After his departure from North Carolina, he found a new path at Arizona, where he embraced growth and acceptance. Reflecting on his experiences, Love stated, "Most importantly, I grew as a person off the court. Coach Lloyd and my teammates accepted me for who I was."

As the season progresses, it's fascinating to think about where Love will land next. Will he pursue a professional career, possibly crossing paths again with Flagg on the NBA stage? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: both players showcased their extraordinary talent on Thursday night, making it a battle to remember.

As we look forward to the Final Four, fans are left not only awed by the rivalry between Duke and Alabama but also reflecting on the thrilling moments brought to life by Cooper Flagg and Caleb Love. These two young men embody the essence of college basketball — determination, talent, and the sheer will to excel on the grandest stage.