### Duke's Resilience Shines as They Capture ACC Title Without Star Player The Duke Blue Devils, ranked No. 1, showcased their depth and resilience by clinching the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) tournament title with a 73-62 victory over No. 13 Louisville on March 16, 2025. This win marks Duke's 23rd ACC championship, achieved despite the absence of their star freshman, Cooper Flagg, who was sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained earlier in the tournament. Tyrese Proctor led the team with 19 points, while Kon Knueppel contributed significantly with 18 points, demonstrating the Blue Devils' ability to adapt and thrive under pressure. This victory not only solidifies Duke's position as a top contender for the upcoming NCAA Tournament but also highlights their strategic depth and teamwork in overcoming challenges [https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/no-1-duke-without-flagg-captures-acc-title-over-no-13-louisville-2025-03-16]. ### Breakdown of Duke's ACC Championship Victory 1. **Game Overview** - Duke defeated Louisville 73-62 to win the ACC title. - The game was played in Charlotte, North Carolina. - Duke's victory came despite being without Cooper Flagg, a key player. 2. **Key Performers** - Tyrese Proctor: Scored 19 points, including six 3-pointers. - Kon Knueppel: Added 18 points and was named tournament MVP. - Sion James also contributed with 15 points. 3. **Game Dynamics** - Duke overcame a five-point halftime deficit, outscoring Louisville 40-24 in the second half. - The Blue Devils' defense limited Louisville to just 9-of-35 shooting after halftime. 4. **Implications for NCAA Tournament** - Duke is expected to secure a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. - The win reinforces Duke's status as a formidable contender for the national title. ### Supporting Evidence of Duke's Performance - **Scoring Breakdown**: - **Tyrese Proctor**: 19 points (6 three-pointers) - **Kon Knueppel**: 18 points, 8 rebounds - **Sion James**: 15 points - **Defensive Statistics**: - Louisville's shooting percentage in the second half: 25.7% (9-of-35) - Three-point shooting: 14.3% (2-of-14) in the second half - **Tournament Context**: - This victory marks Duke's second ACC title in three years under coach Jon Scheyer [https://www.si.com/college-basketball/even-without-cooper-flagg-duke-passes-its-tests-to-claim-acc-crown]. ### Conclusion: Duke's Championship Journey In summary, Duke's triumph in the ACC tournament is a testament to their depth and resilience, particularly in the absence of star player Cooper Flagg. The Blue Devils demonstrated their capability to perform under pressure, with key contributions from Tyrese Proctor and Kon Knueppel. 1. **Victory Against Louisville**: Duke's 73-62 win highlights their strong second-half performance and defensive prowess. 2. **Key Players**: Proctor and Knueppel emerged as crucial figures in the championship game. 3. **NCAA Tournament Outlook**: Duke is poised to enter the NCAA Tournament as a top contender, potentially securing a No. 1 seed. This championship win not only adds to Duke's storied legacy but also sets the stage for an exciting NCAA Tournament run [https://www.pilotonline.com/2025/03/16/duke-takes-acc-tournament-championship-over-louisville].