CHARLOTTE — "Have a short memory." These were the wise words of Duke guard Tyrese Proctor as he emphasized the key to success in the highly competitive ACC Tournament. Despite facing two of their worst 3-point shooting performances this season and significant injuries, the Blue Devils heeded their junior leader’s advice. In a thrilling matchup, Duke triumphed over Louisville with a score of 73-62, clinching their second ACC championship title in three years. This victory also marked the end of the Cardinals' impressive 11-game win streak, paving the way for Duke basketball to soon raise another banner in their arena.
Head coach Jon Scheyer expressed his pride in the team's achievement, stating, "Winning this ACC championship, alongside an outright regular season victory and success in the tournament, is truly special. The challenges we faced in our last three games will serve as valuable lessons and motivation as we move forward." These words reflect the resilience and determination of the Blue Devils as they prepare for the upcoming challenges.
The second half of the game began with a hiccup for Louisville when graduate transfer Terrence Edwards Jr. opened with an airball. Proctor quickly responded by sinking a three-pointer, setting a confident tone for Duke. The Blue Devils showcased their offensive prowess as Kon Knueppel executed his signature layup, momentarily tying the game. Despite the "airball" chants echoing through the Spectrum Center, Edwards remained undeterred, showcasing his skills with a series of impressive plays, including a remarkable shot over the outstretched arms of Sion James. He ultimately finished the night with 22 points, proving to be a constant threat to Duke's defense.
In a response to Edwards’ scoring, Duke’s transfer sensation Sion James made an impact, scoring 10 points in just four minutes, including two crucial three-pointers that forced Louisville's coach, Pat Kelsey, to call a timeout. Proctor's transition three-pointer extended Duke's lead to 57-47 with 11:08 remaining in the game, allowing the Blue Devils to maintain control. A defensive lapse from Louisville opened up another opportunity for Proctor, who hit another wide-open three-pointer, further solidifying Duke’s lead.
In the first half, Louisville briefly seized the momentum, managing to tie the game at 25. Proctor reclaimed the lead with a deep three-pointer off an offensive rebound from Caleb Foster. However, Edwards quickly tied the game again at 28 before halftime. The Blue Devils attempted to disrupt Louisville’s rhythm with a zone defense after the break, similar to their strategy against Georgia Tech. Yet, the Cardinals were well-prepared, executing a back screen for an early dunk by James Scott and followed it up with another three-pointer from Edwards, which allowed them to take a 38-33 lead into halftime.
Throughout the contest, it seemed Duke struggled with defensive rebounds, but the second half showcased a different story. Both teams, known for their defensive prowess, displayed remarkable shooting ability to start the half. When turnovers were minimized, the players executed impressive shots. After a tip from Knueppel, the ball ended up with Isaiah Evans, who knocked down a step-back three-pointer to give Duke a narrow 14-12 lead with 13:12 left in the game. Proctor continued the offensive barrage with another three, but Edwards answered back, cutting the lead to two points.
Duke's balanced team effort proved crucial in their victory. "I thought everybody contributed, and we didn't need any Superman performances. Everyone just stepped up," Knueppel remarked, highlighting the collective effort of the team. Although Louisville’s point guard Chucky Hepburn started strong with a few mid-range fadeaways and a three-pointer, he was limited to just seven additional points for the remainder of the game, which was pivotal in securing Duke's win.
With this victory, Duke has solidified its position as a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await the announcement of their placement, scheduled for Sunday at 6 p.m. The Blue Devils have proven their mettle and are poised to make a deep run in the tournament, fueled by their recent success and newfound momentum.
