Duke Clinches ACC Championship

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The top-ranked Duke Blue Devils have proved their resilience by clinching the ACC tournament championship title with a decisive 73-62 victory over Louisville on Saturday night, even in the absence of star player Cooper Flagg.

Flagg's ankle injury during the opening game against Georgia Tech had raised concerns over Duke's prospects in the tournament, but the depth of talent within the team shone through. After a challenging first half that saw them trailing by five points, the Blue Devils turned the tide with a staunch defensive performance during the second half, effectively halting Louisville's impressive 11-game winning streak.

Team Resilience on Display

“Our toughness was on display tonight,” said center Khaman Maluach. “Other guys really stepped up when it mattered most.”

As head coach Jon Scheyer lifted the championship trophy, Flagg could be seen cheerfully participating in the celebrations, proudly holding a foam placard that read “ACC Champions.” Despite being sidelined for most of the tournament with only two points in 15 minutes of play, Flagg's presence was felt, and fans chanted his name as he climbed the ladder to cut the net.

Looking Ahead to NCAA Tournament

Looking ahead to the NCAA tournament, Scheyer confirmed that Flagg's injury was not severe. X-rays revealed no significant damage, and both coaches and fans are optimistic about his return. "I've seen improvement in his recovery throughout the weekend," Scheyer stated confidently. “Cooper should be ready to go when the tournament starts.”

Without Flagg on the court, Duke showcased their depth with contributions from other key players, particularly freshman Kon Knueppel, who was named tournament MVP after contributing 18 points and eight rebounds in the championship game. Meanwhile, Maluach made a notable impact on defense, recording 10 rebounds and two blocks in the final, and finishing the tournament with a remarkable total of 28 rebounds and eight blocks.

Head Coach's Reflection

Scheyer expressed pride in his players' ability to handle adversity. “Everyone stepped up their game. It’s not about doing anything extraordinary but executing the basics exceptionally well,” he commented.

The Blue Devils' path to the title wasn’t without bumps; unlike their typical dominance during the regular season—where they won 13 of 20 ACC games by 20 or more points—they faced significant challenges. Each game in Charlotte tested their mettle, highlighting the importance of adaptability and preparation as they gear up for the NCAA tournament.

Conclusion and Future Prospects

“Being tested in these last three games was invaluable,” Scheyer acknowledged. “We’ve learned a lot and that will serve as motivation moving forward.”

As the anticipation builds for the NCAA tournament, Duke fans have reason to be hopeful. With a full-strength roster on the horizon, the Blue Devils aim for greater glory in the national spotlight.