Duke Blue Devils Dominate ACC as March Madness Begins

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Duke Blue Devils have wrapped up the 2025 college basketball regular season, clinching the No. 1 seed in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Tournament as heavy favorites. Under the guidance of head coach Jon Scheyer, Duke dominated the league, ending Auburn’s eight-week reign at the top of the AP poll, as they finished the regular season with a 19-1 ACC record.

Freshman phenom Cooper Flagg has been at the forefront of Duke’s success, bringing an impressive skill set and averaging over 22 points per game in his last five outings. His performance has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike, leading many to consider him a top NBA prospect. Flagg’s brilliance has complemented a roster rich with talent, including fellow freshmen Kon Knueppel and Isaiah Evans, and experienced players like Tyrese Proctor, who serves as a key playmaker.

Elsewhere in the ACC, the Louisville Cardinals have made a remarkable turnaround this season. After being unranked since January 2021, they finished with an 18-2 record in the conference, placing 13th in the AP poll. Their resurgence highlights the unpredictable nature of this year’s ACC season, which has seen several historically strong teams struggling to maintain their form.

The ACC Tournament, which runs from March 11 to March 15, is set to showcase several teams vying for NCAA Tournament berths. The opening round began today, with high stakes for teams like North Carolina and Wake Forest. Both teams need strong performances to solidify their chances of entering March Madness. North Carolina, labeled as a bubble team, is expected to face Wake Forest later this week.

Clemson, with a solid 18-2 ACC record, is notable for being the only team to defeat Duke during the regular season, introducing the possibility of a dramatic rematch in the tournament’s final round. Clemson head coach Brad Brownell expressed pride in his team, stating, “The Tigers deserve recognition for their season, especially given our history against Duke—we’re ready for another shot at them.”

As March Madness approaches, the intensity of the ACC Tournament promises excitement, particularly with Duke leading the charge as the top seed. With full confidence in their abilities, Coach Scheyer stated, “We’ve worked hard all season to earn this position, but now it’s time to prove ourselves on the big stage.” The tournament will culminate in a championship game on Saturday, March 15, at the Spectrum Center.