Duke and Louisville Set for ACC Championship Showdown in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The ACC Tournament has reached its conclusion with No. 1 seed Duke and No. 2 seed Louisville set to face off for the championship title on Saturday. This thrilling matchup comes after both teams triumphed over their semifinal opponents on Friday.

Duke secured its spot in the final with a dramatic 74-71 victory against rival North Carolina, who came perilously close to tying the game in the closing moments, only to have a free throw nullified by a lane violation. Coach Jon Scheyer’s team demonstrated both skill and resilience, building an early 24-point lead before narrowly escaping a fierce Tar Heel comeback.

“We executed well in the first half, but we need to improve on closing out games like this,” Scheyer stated after the win.

Meanwhile, Louisville continued its impressive run under first-year coach Pat Kelsey, defeating No. 3 seed Clemson 76-73. With this win, the Cardinals extended their winning streak to 11 games, a remarkable turnaround for a program that faced significant challenges in previous seasons.

Terrence Edwards Jr. led Louisville with 21 points, showcasing his scoring capability as he helped to maintain a narrow lead against Clemson. Kelsey praised his team’s ability to handle pressure, saying, “Every possession counts in games like this, and I’m proud of how we executed our game plan.”

The championship game is set for Saturday, March 15, at 8:30 p.m. ET at the Spectrum Center. It marks Duke’s 36th ACC Tournament final appearance—an impressive record that includes 22 wins. In contrast, this will be Louisville’s first-ever appearance in the ACC Tournament title game.

As the finals approach, both teams are riding high off their recent performances. Duke boasts a stellar 26-2 record, having lost only two games this season. Louisville, on the other hand, has turned around its season entirely, winning 21 of its last 22 games.

“We know what’s at stake,” Duke freshman Kon Knueppel said. “We’re ready for the challenge, and we want to bring the trophy home.”

For viewers eager to watch the championship clash, the game will be broadcast live on ESPN. Fans are buzzing with anticipation, eager to see which team will claim the coveted ACC title.