Duke’s Zone Defense Secures Narrow Win Over Wake Forest

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The second-ranked Duke Blue Devils faced their toughest challenge in nearly three months, overcoming a six-point second-half deficit with a rarely used 2-3 zone defense to defeat Wake Forest 63-56 on Saturday. The victory marked Duke’s closest game since Dec. 5 and extended their winning streak to 13 games.

Duke coach Jon Scheyer credited the defensive switch for turning the tide. “We’ve kept it in our back pocket just in case,” Scheyer said. “It’s good to have a curveball, and even if it’s maybe not the best zone in the world, we were just trying to stand them up a little bit.”

After leading by 13 at halftime, Duke struggled offensively in the second half, missing 13 consecutive shots and allowing Wake Forest to go on a 23-4 run. The Demon Deacons took a six-point lead with 9:58 remaining, prompting Scheyer to call a timeout and implement the zone defense.

The strategy paid off, as Wake Forest went 2-for-10 from the field after the switch, including a stretch of eight straight misses. Duke outscored the Demon Deacons 24-11 in the final nine minutes to secure the win.

Freshman standout Cooper Flagg led Duke with 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. Despite the team’s offensive struggles, Flagg remained composed. “It was a big opportunity for us to show we can stay composed even when a team makes a run,” he said.

Wake Forest coach Steve Forbes praised Flagg, calling him a “generational” talent. “He’s at that level,” Forbes said. “He’s going to play in the NBA for a long time.”

Duke’s victory was far from flawless, as the team posted a season-low 63 points and committed 16 turnovers. However, Scheyer emphasized the importance of winning close games. “You have to win one of these games in the tournament, in ACC play — it’s part of it,” he said. “It’s huge we could get a win and find a way without having our best stuff.”

The Blue Devils’ zone defense, which they had practiced sparingly throughout the season, proved to be the difference-maker. Senior Mason Gillis, who contributed 11 points and 6 rebounds, described the adjustment as a “wrinkle” that could be valuable in future games. “Everything we’re doing right now, we’re getting ready for March,” Gillis said. “That was a March-style game right there.”