Duke Secures 2025 ACC Tournament Championship with Gritty Win Over Louisville (3-15-25)
By: Xavier Jones
Headline Photo Credit: ACC
In a thrilling culmination of the 2025 ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament, the No. 1-seeded Duke Blue Devils triumphed over the No. 2-seeded Louisville Cardinals, 73-62, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Despite playing without their standout freshman Cooper Flagg, who was sidelined due to an ankle injury, Duke showcased its depth, resilience, and defensive prowess to capture its 23rd ACC tournament title under head coach Jon Scheyer.
First Half: A Tight Battle
The game opened with both teams displaying high energy and precision. Louisville’s Terrence Edwards Jr. came out firing, using his quickness to attack Duke’s defense, while the Blue Devils leaned on Tyrese Proctor and Kon Knueppel to generate early offense. The teams traded baskets for much of the first half, with neither side able to gain significant separation. By halftime, Louisville held a narrow 38-33 lead, setting the stage for a tense second half.
Second Half: Duke’s Defensive Surge
Coming out of the break, Coach Jon Scheyer made key defensive adjustments, focusing on limiting Edwards Jr.’s penetration and forcing Louisville into tough perimeter shots. This strategy paid off as Duke went on a 12-0 run early in the half, extending their lead to double digits. Knueppel, the freshman sharpshooter, delivered a clutch performance, scoring 18 points and stretching Louisville’s defense with his perimeter shooting. His efforts earned him ACC Tournament MVP Honors. Proctor led all Duke scorers with 19 points, while Sion James contributed 15 points, proving to be a key factor in the second-half surge. Louisville attempted to mount a comeback behind Edwards Jr., who finished with a game-high 29 points, but the Cardinals struggled to find consistent offensive production from the rest of their lineup. Duke’s suffocating defense forced Louisville into several costly turnovers, preventing them from gaining momentum.
Duke’s Adaptability and Coaching Brilliance
One of the defining themes of the game was Duke’s ability to adapt without Cooper Flagg. The freshman phenom had been a dominant force throughout the season, but his absence forced other players to step up. Scheyer’s strategic focus on defense and balanced scoring proved crucial, as Duke limited Louisville to just 24 points in the second half.
Louisville’s Gritty Effort Falls Short
Despite the loss, Louisville showed tremendous heart under first-year head coach Pat Kelsey. Edwards Jr. was sensational, carrying the Cardinals offensively, but the lack of scoring support ultimately proved costly.
What’s Next? NCAA Tournament Outlook
With the ACC tournament title secured, Duke strengthens its case for a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Their ability to win under adversity bodes well for their March Madness prospects. Louisville, despite the loss, has proven they are a dangerous team and will likely earn a respectable seed in the tournament, capable of making a deep run. As Duke cut down the nets and celebrated their latest conference title, the message was clear: even without their star freshman, they remain one of the most formidable teams in the country. Duke now sets its sights on the NCAA Tournament, while Louisville regroups for what promises to be an exciting March Madness journey.
Final Score: Duke 73, Louisville 62
Key Stats:
Duke:
Tyrese Proctor — 19 points, 5 assists
Kon Knuppel — 18 points (ACC Tournament MVP)
Sion James — 15 points, 7 rebounds
Louisville:
Terrence Edwards Jr. — 29 points, 4 rebounds
