Duke defeats Louisville to claim the ACC championship and get the top seed in the NCAA tournament.
On March 15, 2025, the Duke Blue Devils clinched their 23rd ACC Tournament title with a commanding 73–62 victory over the Louisville Cardinals at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. This triumph not only added another championship to Duke’s storied history but also solidified their position as the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament’s East Region. (Duke Claims 23rd ACC Tournament Title …)
The championship game unfolded as a tale of two halves. Louisville initially seized control, taking a 38–33 lead into halftime. However, Duke’s defense tightened in the second half, holding the Cardinals to just 24 points. Tyrese Proctor emerged as a standout, sinking a career-high six three-pointers and finishing with 19 points. His performance was instrumental in Duke’s resurgence. Kon Knueppel contributed significantly, adding 18 points and eight rebounds, while Sion James provided 15 points and six rebounds. (Duke defeats Louisville to claim 23rd ACC Tournament title – On3, Duke Claims 23rd ACC Tournament Title …)
Head coach Jon Scheyer praised his team’s collective effort, emphasizing the importance of their defensive adjustments and the contributions from various players. “I just thought we came out in the second half and were just so tough, played together,” Scheyer remarked postgame. “For us to be tested the last three games the way that we have, I think we’re going to learn a ton from it, and it gives us extra motivation and lessons to move forward.” (Duke defeats Louisville to claim 23rd ACC Tournament title – On3)
Kon Knueppel’s consistent excellence throughout the tournament earned him the ACC Tournament MVP honors. Averaging 21 points per game over Duke’s three games in Charlotte, Knueppel showcased his scoring prowess and versatility. His performance not only highlighted his individual talents but also underscored his importance to the team’s success. (Duke Claims 23rd ACC Tournament Title …)
Duke’s journey to the ACC Tournament title was marked by dominant performances and strategic plays. In the quarterfinals, they dispatched Louisville with a 70–56 victory, propelled by a dominant 23-point, 19-rebound performance from freshman center Mark Williams. Williams’ effort was a standout, as he fell just one rebound short of becoming only the second Duke player to record 20 rebounds in an ACC Tournament game. (Duke vs. Louisville, ACC tournament: Highlights, score, updates | Raleigh News & Observer)
Advancing to the semifinals, Duke faced a challenging matchup against Wake Forest. Despite the Demon Deacons’ resilience, Duke secured an 82–73 win, setting the stage for their championship clash with Louisville. Throughout the tournament, Duke’s blend of experienced leadership and emerging talent proved to be a formidable combination. (Duke University)
With the ACC Tournament title in hand, Duke entered the NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 seed in the East Region. Their balanced roster, featuring seasoned upperclassmen and promising newcomers, positioned them as strong contenders for the national championship. The team’s depth, defensive capabilities, and offensive versatility made them a team to watch as the tournament progressed. (Duke University)
The Blue Devils’ performance in the ACC Tournament not only demonstrated their championship pedigree but also highlighted their readiness for the challenges of the NCAA Tournament. With a blend of experience and youthful energy, Duke aimed to add another national title to their illustrious history.
In conclusion, Duke’s 73–62 victory over Louisville in the ACC Championship game was a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and strategic prowess. The win not only secured their 23rd ACC Tournament title but also set the stage for a promising run in the NCAA Tournament. As the top seed in the East Region, Duke’s journey was one of anticipation and excitement, with fans and analysts alike eager to see how far the Blue Devils would go in their quest for another national championship. (No. 1 Duke clinches 23rd ACC title with 73-62 win over No. 13 Louisville, Duke Claims 23rd ACC Tournament Title …)
