Duke Claims 2025 ACC Women’s Basketball Championship with Dominant Win Over NC State (3-9-25)
By: Xavier Jones
Headline Photo Credit: ACC
The Duke Blue Devils captured their first ACC Tournament championship since 2013 with a commanding 76-62 victory over the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the 2025 Ally ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament final on Sunday at the First Horizon Coliseum. The win secured Duke an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and solidified their resurgence under head coach Kara Lawson. Freshman sensation Oluchi Okananwa delivered a stunning performance, earning ACC Tournament MVP honors after leading the Blue Devils with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals in the championship game. Over the three tournament games, Okananwa showcased her versatility and poise, culminating in a standout performance in the championship game.
The Blue Devils’ defensive tenacity was on full display, as they managed to disrupt NC State’s offensive rhythm throughout the game. Their ability to force turnovers and convert them into points proved pivotal in building and maintaining their lead. For NC State, this marked their second consecutive appearance in the ACC tournament final, but they were unable to secure the championship. Despite the loss, the Wolfpack’s season featured significant achievements, including a shared regular-season title and multiple victories over ranked opponents.
First-Half Battle Sets the Tone
Both teams came into the contest riding strong momentum. No. 7-seeded Duke had pulled off an upset over No. 3 Notre Dame in the semifinals, while No. 1-seeded NC State looked dominant throughout the tournament. The championship game started as a defensive slugfest, with Duke setting the tone early. The Blue Devils’ pressure defense forced NC State into several, uncharacteristic turnovers, leading to transition buckets for Duke. The Wolfpack responded behind the play of Aziaha James and Saniya Rivers, who combined for 14 points in the second quarter alone. However, Duke’s Ashlon Jackson knocked down two crucial three-pointers late in the half, and Okananwa controlled the glass to help Duke stay within striking distance, trailing 36-29 at the half.
Duke’s Defense Stifles NC State in the Second Half
The second half saw Duke crank up its defensive intensity even further. Reigan Richardson and Taina Mair played lockdown defense on NC State’s guards, disrupting their offensive flow. Offensively, Okananwa and Toby Fournier dominated in the paint, scoring repeatedly on second-chance opportunities. Duke out-rebounded NC State 44-28, preventing the Wolfpack from generating consistent scoring runs. By the end of the third quarter, Duke had stretched its lead to 53-46, leaving NC State scrambling for answers.
Sealing the Victory
The Wolfpack attempted a late rally in the fourth quarter, cutting into their deficit with five minutes remaining after a much-needed three-pointer by Zoe Brooks. However, Duke responded immediately, as Taina Mair hit a clutch mid-range jumper, followed by a fast-break layup from Okananwa that effectively put the game out of reach. With under two minutes to play, Duke slowed the tempo, forcing NC State to foul. The Blue Devils converted at the free-throw line and ran down the clock to secure the 76-62 victory.
With the victory, Duke clinches the ACC’s automatic bid to the 2025 NCAA Tournament, where they are expected to earn a strong seeding. NC State, despite the loss, will still be a high seed in the NCAA Tournament and remains a formidable contender for a deep March Madness run. Duke’s triumph marks a major milestone for the program, signaling their return to national prominence and setting the stage for an exciting postseason. Duke is now poised for an exciting NCAA Tournament run, and their ACC Tournament victory cements them as a team to watch in March Madness.
