Duke Wins ACC Title, Stays No. 1 Seed in NCAA Tournament Bracketology 2026

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Duke secured its second consecutive ACC Tournament championship on Saturday night, overcoming a challenging performance from star Cameron Boozer to defeat Virginia 74-70 in a tightly contested final. The victory all but cements Duke’s position as the No. 1 overall seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, though challenges from Michigan and Arizona remain.

The game, a back-and-forth affair featuring 16 lead changes, showcased Duke’s resilience even without two injured starters. While Boozer, the ACC Player of the Year, struggled from the field, shooting just 3-of-17 for a season-low 13 points, the Blue Devils found contributions from other sources, notably Cayden Boozer, who stepped up with 16 points, five rebounds, and four assists in a season-high 40 minutes of play.

“We’re not done,” Duke guard Isaiah Evans declared during the on-court celebration, signaling the team’s ambitions extend far beyond the conference tournament title. Evans himself contributed 18 points, including crucial free throws down the stretch, proving instrumental in securing the win.

The game was a physical battle, particularly for Boozer, who faced constant pressure from Virginia’s 7-footer Ugonna Onyenso. Onyenso’s defensive presence was significant, blocking nine shots and disrupting Duke’s offensive flow. Despite the defensive attention, Boozer still managed to impact the game with eight assists and eight rebounds, including a key offensive rebound with just 18 seconds remaining.

Duke’s ability to win despite Boozer’s shooting struggles highlights the team’s depth and versatility. Head coach Jon Scheyer has built a program capable of adapting and finding success through different avenues, a trait that will undoubtedly serve them well in the NCAA Tournament. This marks the third ACC title in four seasons under Scheyer’s leadership.

Virginia, led by Malik Thomas’s 18 points and Onyenso’s dominant defensive performance, put up a strong fight. Onyenso finished with nine blocks and eight rebounds, demonstrating his impact on both ends of the court. However, the Cavaliers ultimately fell short against a determined Duke squad.

The tournament championship is Duke’s 26th in ACC Tournament history, and their sixth in Charlotte. The Blue Devils hold a commanding 127-54 series advantage over the Cavaliers, including a 16-4 record in ACC Tournament contests.

Duke’s success this season has been marked by its defensive prowess, currently ranked as the top defense in the nation according to KenPom. They are also among the elite offensively, ranking fourth in offensive efficiency. This combination of strength on both sides of the ball has propelled them to a 32-2 record, securing an outright regular-season title and now the ACC Tournament crown.

Cameron Boozer was named the tournament MVP, despite his challenging shooting night, a testament to his overall impact on the team and his consistent performance throughout the season. His leadership and all-around game continue to be pivotal for Duke’s success.

Looking ahead, Duke enters the NCAA Tournament as a strong favorite to win it all. With a likely No. 1 overall seed, they will have a favorable path through the bracket. However, the road to the championship will be challenging, and they will need continued contributions from their entire roster to achieve their ultimate goal.

Virginia, despite the loss, is expected to remain a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Their strong regular season and competitive performance in the ACC Tournament demonstrate their capabilities as a legitimate contender.

ACC Tournament Results:

First Round – Tuesday, March 10: Pitt 64, Stanford 63. SMU 86, Syracuse 69; Wake Forest 95, Virginia Tech 89 (OT)
Second Round – Wednesday, March 11: NC State 98, Pitt 88; Louisville 62, SMU 58; Florida State 95, California 89; Clemson 71, Wake Forest 62
Quarterfinals – Thursday, March 12: Virginia 81, NC State 74; Miami 78, Louisville 71; Duke 80, Florida State 79; Clemson 80, North Carolina 79
Semifinals – Friday, March 13: Virginia 84, Miami 62; Duke 85, Clemson 76
ACC Tournament Championship Game – Saturday, March 14: Duke 74, Virginia 70