Big Win: Duke Topples Notre Dame to Reach ACC Tournament Final
In a thrilling display of resilience and skill, the Duke Blue Devils have secured a spot in the ACC Tournament final after defeating Notre Dame 75-68 in a hard-fought battle at the Greensboro Coliseum. The win, fueled by exceptional performances across the board, sets up a showdown in the championship game for Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s squad, who are aiming for their second consecutive ACC Tournament title.
The Blue Devils entered the game as the higher seed, but the Irish proved to be formidable opponents, with their trademark offensive efficiency and defensive discipline. Notre Dame, led by star guard Matt Ryan and forward Nate Laszewski, came into the contest with plenty of momentum, having dispatched formidable opponents to reach the semifinals. However, Duke’s talent and determination proved too much for the Fighting Irish to handle, especially in the second half.
The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams exchanging runs and neither giving an inch. Duke’s offense was spearheaded by standout freshman Paolo Banchero, who finished with a game-high 22 points and 12 rebounds. Banchero’s ability to stretch the floor, combined with his physical presence in the paint, caused problems for Notre Dame’s defense throughout the game.
Notre Dame responded with strong shooting from beyond the arc, as Ryan knocked down several critical three-pointers. However, Duke’s defense, led by the experienced Wendell Moore Jr., adjusted in the second half, limiting the Irish’s open looks and forcing them into more contested shots. Moore, who had a solid all-around performance, finished the game with 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, and was instrumental in slowing down Notre Dame’s high-scoring offense.
The turning point came midway through the second half, with Duke trailing by one point. A quick 7-0 run, highlighted by back-to-back three-pointers from Jeremy Roach and a steal and dunk by Moore, gave the Blue Devils a lead they would not relinquish. Notre Dame struggled to recover, and though they made a push in the final minutes, Duke’s free-throw shooting and clock management sealed the win.
Duke’s depth was also a key factor in their success. In addition to Banchero and Moore, Roach’s performance off the bench was crucial. Roach added 14 points and played a pivotal role in breaking Notre Dame’s press, providing a spark when the team needed it most. The Blue Devils showed their poise and composure under pressure, playing disciplined basketball and executing down the stretch.
For Notre Dame, the loss was disappointing, but not without its silver linings. Ryan and Laszewski both had strong individual performances, with Ryan scoring 20 points and Laszewski contributing 18. However, the Irish couldn’t keep up with Duke’s all-around attack, and they ultimately fell short in their bid to reach the final.
As Duke prepares for the ACC Tournament final, the victory over Notre Dame has served as a statement of their championship aspirations. With Banchero continuing to emerge as one of the nation’s premier talents and the Blue Devils showing balance across the board, they are now poised to challenge for the ACC crown. Coach Krzyzewski will be looking to secure another postseason trophy as the legendary coach nears the end of his storied career. The Blue Devils’ path to the championship is set, and the stage is now set for what promises to be a thrilling finale.
