Duke Defeats N.C. State to Claim ACC Tournament Title
Duke University has once again claimed its place at the top of the Atlantic Coast Conference, securing the 2025 ACC Tournament title with a thrilling 85-77 victory over N.C. State. The win marked the Blue Devils’ third ACC Tournament championship in the last five years and cemented their reputation as one of college basketball’s most dominant programs.
The game, held in front of a raucous crowd at the Greensboro Coliseum, was a back-and-forth affair from start to finish, with both teams showcasing their offensive firepower and tenacity on defense. However, it was Duke’s defense and clutch playmaking in the final minutes that ultimately made the difference.
N.C. State, led by their standout guard, Terrell Edwards, came out swinging in the first half, looking to make a statement against the powerhouse Blue Devils. Edwards, who had been a standout performer throughout the tournament, scored 19 points in the first half alone, keeping the Wolfpack within striking distance. N.C. State’s defense was aggressive, forcing turnovers and limiting Duke’s transition offense. The Wolfpack entered halftime with a narrow 42-40 lead, giving fans hope that an upset could be in the cards.
However, Coach Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils were far from rattled. They came out of the locker room with renewed energy, executing more efficiently on both ends of the floor. Duke’s star forward, Jonah Howard, who had struggled with his shooting in the first half, exploded for 14 points in the second half. His explosive scoring, combined with timely three-pointers from guard Michael Barnes, gave the Blue Devils the momentum they needed.
One of the game’s most pivotal moments came with just under five minutes remaining, when N.C. State had clawed back to within two points, 74-72. Duke’s freshman sensation, Chris Carter, who had been quiet for much of the night, drilled a deep three-pointer to push the Blue Devils’ lead to five. That shot seemed to deflate N.C. State’s hopes, as Duke followed it up with key defensive stops and made free throws in the closing minutes.
Carter finished with 13 points and played a key role in Duke’s defensive schemes, disrupting the Wolfpack’s rhythm when they tried to mount a late-game rally. Barnes, who had been Duke’s most consistent scorer throughout the tournament, added 21 points and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player for his outstanding performance across all games.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Duke bench erupted in celebration. Players hugged, coaches high-fived, and fans in blue and white chanted in jubilation. It was a fitting end to a tournament that saw Duke navigate through tough challenges, including a hard-fought win over rival North Carolina in the semifinals.
“This is what we’ve worked for all season,” said Coach Scheyer after the game. “The guys showed incredible resilience and poise, especially with the way N.C. State came at us. I’m incredibly proud of this group.”
With the win, Duke secures an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, where they will look to build on their ACC Championship and make a deep run into March Madness. For N.C. State, though, the loss was a painful but proud one, as they showed they could compete with the best.
As the Blue Devils celebrated their 21st ACC Tournament title, the message was clear: Duke is ready to contend for another national title, and their eyes are set on glory in the NCAA Tournament.
