CHARLOTTE — The Duke Blue Devils are headed back to the ACC Tournament title game, even without two key starters. They defeated No. 5 seed Clemson 73-61 on Friday night. Duke will face second-seeded Virginia, who routed third-seeded Miami in the semifinals.
“We are here to win,” said Duke star Cameron Boozer. “That’s our goal.”
With this win, Duke improves to 31-2. They have a remarkable history, boasting 23 ACC championships, including a win last year in Charlotte. On the other hand, Clemson, a founding member of the league, has never clinched an ACC title.
Boozer, the ACC Player of the Year, shined once again, contributing 24 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists. This marked his 19th double-double of the season, and he led the ACC in both scoring and rebounding.
“He’s incredibly consistent,” noted teammate Devin Harris. “He affects the game in so many ways, from passing to rebounding to defense. It’s easier for the rest of us when he’s double-teamed.”
Despite missing starters Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba due to injuries, Duke got solid performances from reserves Cayden Boozer and Nikolas Khamenia. Cayden scored a career-high 16 points, while Khamenia added 14.
In the previous quarterfinals, Florida State had left Cayden open for long shots, but he struggled there. However, he adapted against Clemson, driving to the basket instead. He finished 6-of-12 from the field.
“I’m proud of Cayden for bouncing back and showing control,” said coach Jon Scheyer. “He’s really grown.”
Clemson’s Isaiah Evans faced tough defense after scoring 32 points in his last game. Though he struggled offensively, he recorded a career-high 10 rebounds, essential with Ngongba out. “He played patiently and focused on all the little things that matter,” Scheyer commented.
Duke seized control of the game with a 26-6 run, leaving Clemson with only one field goal in their last 15 attempts of the first half. The Blue Devils led by as much as 20 points in the second half.
Currently riding a 10-game winning streak, Duke may need to secure the ACC title to guarantee a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Other top teams are also performing well in their conferences.
In their last meeting, Duke convincingly beat Virginia 77-51 in late February. “It’s a privilege to play for a championship,” Scheyer emphasized. “Fatigue won’t be a factor; we’re grateful for this opportunity.”
Clemson, under Coach Brad Brownell, has been to the ACC semifinals multiple times but still seeks its first title. He reflected on the challenge of competing: “I want to win an ACC Tournament. It’s frustrating, but this is a great competition with many strong teams.”
Such tournaments often spark discussions on social media, with fans sharing their excitement and predictions for the finals. Engaging in lively debates, they express hope for underdog stories or dominant performances from star players—adding to the electric atmosphere of March Madness. Understanding how teams adapt under pressure can be crucial for both players and fans alike.
For further insights into team strategies and player performances, the NCAA official site offers a wealth of information on current stats and highlights. This data is invaluable for keeping up with the changing dynamics in the tournament.
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Duke sports, ACC Tournament, ACC basketball, Duke basketball, Isaiah Evans, Jon Scheyer, Clemson University sports
