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In Tucson, Ariz., the No. 12 Duke Blue Devils demonstrated their growth and maturity by overcoming an early deficit to secure a 69-55 victory against No. 17 Arizona. This game marked a significant turning point as Duke's freshman trio, bound for the next NBA Draft lottery, emerged more polished and composed following a tough loss to Kentucky earlier this month.

The McKale Center was electric in the final six minutes, with Arizona closing the gap to just six points after trailing by double digits for most of the game. But the Duke players drew inspiration from their previous experience against a veteran Kentucky squad. "Kentucky was a really good test," junior guard Tyrese Proctor said. "We just knew we could pull through."

Freshman wing Kon Knueppel, who had struggled mightily against Kentucky, stepped up this time around. He hit several crucial 3-pointers, including two that came just 90 seconds apart, which helped seal the win for Duke. "Coach kept telling me to shoot it," Knueppel said. "Sometimes the shot is the shot."

Duke head coach Jon Scheyer noted that the early season test against Kentucky played a crucial role in preparing his team. "To get tested this early in the season, on the road, I find incredible value in it," Scheyer said. "I think these guys would say the same after tonight."

Arizona's physicality initially threw Duke off its game. The Wildcats, known for their offensive rebounds, second-chance points, and interior scoring, set an aggressive tone early. But Duke managed to adapt. Freshman Cooper Flagg, despite a slow start, finished with a game-high 24 points and six rebounds. "A little bit of softness in my finishes," Flagg acknowledged postgame, but he ultimately found his rhythm.

Duke’s defensive efforts significantly hampered Arizona’s performance in the second half. The Wildcats, who had excelled in the paint all season, found themselves stonewalled by Duke's length and physicality. Arizona managed just 7-for-16 on two-pointers in the second half and struggled to access the interior, often settling for hurried jump shots.

The Blue Devils' dominance was evident in the stats. They scored 28 points in the paint and held Arizona to just six offensive rebounds and eight second-chance points—well below the Wildcats' averages. Duke out-rebounded Arizona 43-30, proving their prowess on the boards.

Graduate guard Sion James played a key role defensively, particularly against Arizona's Caleb Love, who was held to just eight points on 3-of-13 shooting. This marked a significant downturn for Love, who had averaged 16.9 points per game in his previous contests against Duke.

Ultimately, Duke's young stars seemed to mature overnight, showing resilience and adaptability in a high-pressure environment. Scheyer praised his team's ability to respond under pressure, stating, "To have the maturity to answer and then come back on defense, I think that's a credit to these guys."

In a game that demanded grown-man toughness, Duke's freshmen rose to the occasion, showcasing a level of play that belies their inexperience.