March 16, 2025
Greensboro, NC
Greensboro, NC — The Duke Blue Devils capped off their incredible run through the 2025 ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament with an impressive 84-68 victory over the Louisville Cardinals on Sunday, March 16, at the Greensboro Coliseum. Duke’s Tyrese Proctor was named the tournament MVP after a stellar performance that helped propel the Blue Devils to their second consecutive ACC title.
A Strong Start for Duke
The game began with an electrifying atmosphere, as both teams knew what was on the line. Duke came out with intensity, quickly establishing a commanding presence on both ends of the floor. Tyrese Proctor was the focal point of Duke’s offensive attack from the very beginning, scoring 10 points in the first 12 minutes of the game. His ability to create for himself and others made it difficult for Louisville to get into a rhythm defensively.
The Blue Devils were also dominant on the defensive side, with their size and athleticism disrupting Louisville’s offensive flow. Duke’s ability to force turnovers and contest shots led to fast-break opportunities, which they capitalized on to extend their lead. By the end of the first half, Duke had established a 45-32 lead.
Louisville’s Fight Back
Despite the deficit, Louisville refused to back down. Guard Sion James showed his skill set, managing to keep the Cardinals within striking distance. James, who had a strong season for Louisville, scored 12 points in the first half and kept his team engaged. However, the Blue Devils’ defense, spearheaded by freshman Kon Knueppel and forward Derek Lively II, proved to be too much for Louisville’s offense.
Louisville made some adjustments during the break, hoping to build momentum in the second half. They found success early on, trimming the deficit to 10 points behind a surge from Terrence Edwards Jr., who scored 8 of his 16 points in the first 6 minutes of the second half. The Cardinals made several attempts to cut the lead further, but each time Duke answered, whether with a clutch three-pointer from Proctor or a timely rebound and putback from Lively.
Duke Pulls Away in the Final Minutes
With just under 8 minutes remaining, Duke’s Proctor once again took control. He made several key plays, including a three-pointer that pushed the lead to 18 points. Louisville’s offense became stagnant as Duke’s defense tightened up. The Blue Devils forced several contested shots and turned them into transition points, with Proctor orchestrating the offense.
Duke’s depth also played a significant role in the game’s outcome. Kon Knueppel, coming off the bench, provided a huge spark with his all-around game, contributing 10 points and 6 rebounds. His hustle and ability to hit timely shots kept Louisville from gaining any momentum in the final stretch. By the time the final buzzer sounded, Duke had secured the 84-68 victory, their second consecutive ACC Tournament Championship.
Tyrese Proctor: Tournament MVP
Tyrese Proctor’s performance in the championship game capped off an incredible tournament run. He finished with 22 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds, leading his team in both scoring and playmaking. Proctor’s composure and leadership were evident throughout the game, and his ability to create offense for himself and others was one of the main reasons for Duke’s success.
“Tyrese has been tremendous all season long, and tonight he showed why he’s one of the best players in college basketball,” said Duke head coach Jon Scheyer. “His maturity, his vision on the court, and his ability to make big plays in critical moments were key to our victory.”
Louisville’s Efforts Led by Sion James
While the result was disappointing for Louisville, there were still bright spots. Sion James, who had been the standout player for the Cardinals all season, finished the game with 16 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds. James fought hard to keep Louisville in the game, but the Cardinals struggled with consistency in both their shooting and defense.
Terrence Edwards Jr. also had a solid outing for Louisville, contributing 16 points. However, despite their best efforts, Louisville could not overcome Duke’s powerful offense and stifling defense. Head coach Kenny Payne, despite the loss, remained optimistic for his team’s future.
“We fought hard, but Duke is an exceptional team,” Payne said in his post-game comments. “We have a lot to build on, and we’ll continue to grow as a team heading into the NCAA Tournament.”
Duke’s Path Forward
With the win, Duke has solidified its status as one of the top teams in the country. The Blue Devils head into the NCAA Tournament with momentum and confidence, having displayed their depth, skill, and defensive prowess throughout the ACC Tournament.
Head coach Jon Scheyer has his sights set on another deep March Madness run, with Tyrese Proctor leading the charge. The Blue Devils will look to carry the energy and momentum from their ACC Championship victory into the NCAA Tournament, where they hope to contend for a national title.
“We’ve been working towards this all season,” Scheyer stated. “But this is just the beginning. We have big goals ahead, and we’re ready to make a run at it.”
