Duke Basketball Wins ACC Championship After Beating Louisville in Title Game
In a thrilling display of basketball excellence, the Duke Blue Devils emerged as the 2025 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Champions, defeating the Louisville Cardinals 78-68 in a tense and highly anticipated title game. The victory not only secured Duke’s place as the top team in the ACC but also provided a huge boost to their NCAA Tournament seeding, adding to an already impressive season.
From the opening tip, it was clear that both teams were ready for battle. Louisville, led by their talented senior guard and conference Player of the Year, played a fast-paced, aggressive game. Duke, on the other hand, relied on their trademark blend of dynamic offense and stifling defense, with their freshman phenom, Isaiah Thompson, proving to be the difference-maker. Thompson, who had been a standout all season, dominated the game with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, earning the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors.
The game began with a flurry of points as both teams exchanged baskets early on. Louisville’s defense looked sharp, with multiple possessions where they forced Duke into tough shots. However, Duke’s star freshman, Thompson, found his rhythm midway through the first half, sinking a series of contested jump shots that helped the Blue Devils break away from a tight contest. By halftime, Duke had built a narrow 37-33 lead.
Louisville wasn’t going to go down without a fight, and they came out strong after the break. Junior guard Malik Johnson put the team on his back, scoring 14 of his 18 points in the second half, and cutting Duke’s lead to just two points with five minutes remaining. The intensity reached a fever pitch as both teams exchanged baskets, but it was Duke’s poise under pressure that proved to be the deciding factor.
With just under four minutes left, Thompson hit a clutch three-pointer to push Duke’s lead back to five, and Louisville’s offense began to sputter. Despite strong efforts from Johnson and senior forward Chris Montgomery, the Cardinals could not find a way to contain Duke’s defense in the final moments. The Blue Devils’ ability to lock down on Louisville’s shooters and control the tempo of the game in the final minutes sealed the victory.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, who has led the team to great heights in just his second year at the helm, was visibly pleased with his team’s effort. “This was a total team win,” Scheyer said in the postgame interview. “We played hard on both ends of the floor, and it showed in the second half. I’m proud of how these guys came together and finished strong.”
In addition to Thompson’s standout performance, Duke received solid contributions from veteran players like senior guard Alex Walker, who chipped in 14 points and provided much-needed leadership on the court. Sophomore forward Michael Davis also contributed with 10 points and 8 rebounds, giving the Blue Devils a well-rounded effort that made it difficult for Louisville to keep pace.
For Louisville, head coach Kenny Payne expressed pride in his team’s resilience. “We fought hard, and we’re proud of the effort,” Payne said. “Duke’s a great team, and they played a great game. We’ve got some things to work on, but we’re excited about what’s ahead.”
With the ACC Championship now in hand, Duke has positioned itself as one of the favorites for the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils will look to carry their momentum into March Madness as they aim to capture their first national title since 2015. Meanwhile, Louisville will look to regroup and refocus as they prepare for their own NCAA Tournament run.
