Duke Prepares for ACC Tournament Opener Against Georgia Tech

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The No. 1-ranked Duke Blue Devils will begin their quest for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Championship on Thursday, March 13, 2025, facing the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Spectrum Center.

Duke, boasting an impressive record of 28-3 and 19-1 in conference play, enters the tournament with high expectations. The Blue Devils have been recognized for their explosive offense, led by freshman standout Cooper Flagg, who has emerged as a dynamic player this season.

The matchup against Georgia Tech (17-15, 10-10 ACC) marks Duke’s first step in a campaign aiming for an automatic NCAA Tournament bid through the ACC Championship. “We know what’s at stake in this tournament, and our focus is on executing our game plan against Georgia Tech,” said Duke head coach Jon Scheyer.

For Duke, the emphasis is not only on winning but dominating their opponents, a strategy that has largely proved effective this season. The Blue Devils’ offensive style relies heavily on quick transitions and sharp shooting, aided by Flagg’s versatility on the court.

In contrast, Georgia Tech faces the daunting challenge of trying to counter Duke’s offensive firepower. The Yellow Jackets’ hopes hinge on a near-perfect performance to pull off a major upset. “It’s a tough matchup, but we’ve had our moments throughout the season. If we play our best, anything can happen,” said Georgia Tech head coach Josh Pastner.

The stakes are particularly high at this ACC Tournament, with teams striving for a place in the NCAA Tournament. A strong showing could significantly influence selection committee decisions for teams on the bubble. Current projections place North Carolina and Wake Forest among those needing deep runs to secure an at-large bid.

Duke, coming off a dominant regular season, is also eyeing more than just a conference title. A successful run in the ACC Tournament will bolster their claim to the top seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Anything less than a championship will be seen as a disappointment.

The excitement surrounding this tournament reflects the unpredictable nature of March Madness, where anything can happen in a single-elimination format. With Duke as a favorite for both the ACC Championship and the national title, all eyes will be on the Blue Devils as they tip-off against Georgia Tech on Thursday.