Full Breakdown
Duke Advances to ACC Championship After Narrow Victory Over Florida State and Solid Win Against Clemson
3/14/2026, 10:48:25 PM
Duke's Quarterfinal Challenge: Overcoming Florida State
In a tightly contested quarterfinal match of the 2026 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Tournament, top-seeded Duke narrowly defeated eighth-seeded Florida State 80-79. The Blue Devils, missing key players Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba II due to injuries, faced a significant challenge as they trailed by eight points in the second half. Coach Jon Scheyer emphasized the moment as an opportunity for his team to demonstrate their character. "I just tried to get them to look at it as an opportunity," he stated.
Isaiah Evans led Duke with a career-high 32 points, including seven three-pointers, while Cameron Boozer contributed 23 points and 10 rebounds. The Blue Devils executed a critical 19-2 run after trailing 59-51, showcasing their resilience. Florida State's Robert McCray V had a chance to win the game with a three-pointer at the buzzer, but his shot missed, sealing Duke's victory. The Blue Devils dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Seminoles 46-25, which included a remarkable 22 offensive rebounds.
Semifinal Success Against Clemson
Duke continued its strong performance in the semifinals, defeating fifth-seeded Clemson 73-61. The Blue Devils established a commanding 19-point lead by halftime, largely due to their defensive prowess, which held Clemson to just 22 points in the first half. Cameron Boozer again led the team with 24 points and 14 rebounds, marking his 19th double-double of the season. Cayden Boozer also made a significant impact, scoring a career-high 16 points.
Despite a stronger second-half showing from Clemson, which outscored Duke 39-32, the Blue Devils maintained control of the game. Duke's defense was instrumental, limiting Clemson to a shooting percentage of 32.7% for the game. The Blue Devils' rebounding advantage was evident again, as they out-rebounded the Tigers 41-27.
Key Players and Statistics
Duke's success in both games can be attributed to several standout performances. In the quarterfinals against Florida State, Evans' scoring and Boozer's all-around play were pivotal. In the semifinals, Cameron Boozer's consistent scoring and rebounding, along with Cayden Boozer's contributions, were crucial for Duke's advancement to the championship game.
Duke's ability to adapt to the absence of key players has been a testament to their depth and resilience. The Blue Devils have now won nine consecutive games and improved their overall record to 31-2.
Looking Ahead: Championship Matchup
Duke will face second-seeded Virginia in the ACC Championship game, aiming for their second consecutive tournament title. The matchup promises to be competitive, as both teams have demonstrated strong performances throughout the tournament. Duke's recent form and ability to overcome adversity will be critical as they seek to secure their 24th ACC Tournament title.
