ACC Runs Through The Sisterhood As Duke Repeats As Tourney Champs (3-8-2026)

By: Joe Dillard Jr.

Headline Photo Credit: ACC

(14) #2 Louisville 65 vs #1 Duke 70 

In an overtime thriller, Duke captures their second consecutive ACC tournament title under Kar Lawson as they have let the world know about who they are.  I mentioned earlier that they needed 70 in big games to win, and that’s exactly what it took against a great Louisville team led by a pair of sophomores, Mackenly Randolph (17pts) and Imari Berry (18 pts).  Again, Duke has shown that everyone can get it done.  

Trailing most of the game, Duke rallied with big play after big play.  Point guard Taina Mair runs this engine and led the way with 19 points 12 rebounds 3 assists and steals with a block.  Yes, I covered the full stat line as all five Duke starters scored at least 7 points, hit a free throw, at least 2 rebounds, a steal, and even Delaney Thomas had an assist as all five starters showed their skill.  This Duke team will be a dark horse as nobody outside the ACC will know what’s coming. 

Tournament MVP Taina Mair was simply outstanding, leading by example and playing 40 minutes if needed every night giving all she had, which resonated with the rest of the team. Stat stuffing is the other thing she has seemed to pass on as well.  Duke will await the seeding to determine where they will land.