Duke University’s men’s basketball team clinched the ACC Championship with a 73-62 victory over No. 13 Louisville, solidifying their position as a top contender for a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. This triumph is particularly noteworthy as it was achieved without their star freshman, Cooper Flagg, who was sidelined due to an ankle injury.
Flagg sustained the injury during Duke’s ACC tournament opener against Georgia Tech, leading to concerns about his availability for March Madness. However, recent updates indicate that Flagg is expected to return for the NCAA Tournament, providing a significant boost to the Blue Devils’ championship aspirations.
In Flagg’s absence, other players stepped up to fill the void. Freshman Kon Knueppel delivered an MVP-worthy performance, contributing 16 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in the championship game. Over the course of the tournament, Knueppel averaged 22.5 points on 47.7% shooting, including a 46.6% success rate from beyond the arc.
Additionally, Tyrese Proctor led the team with 19 points in the final, while Sion James added 15 points, showcasing the team’s depth and resilience.
Duke’s defensive prowess was on full display during the tournament. They held Louisville, a team known for its high-scoring offense, to under 70 points for the second time this season. A pivotal 12-0 run in the second half of the championship game underscored their defensive dominance and ability to shift momentum.
This ACC title marks Duke’s 23rd in the program’s history and their second in three years under head coach Jon Scheyer. The team’s ability to secure both the regular-season and tournament championships in the same year further cements their status as a powerhouse in college basketball.
With the NCAA Tournament on the horizon, Duke’s recent performances, combined with the anticipated return of Cooper Flagg, position them as strong contenders for the national title. Their resilience and depth will be critical assets as they aim to add another championship to their storied legacy.
