In a thrilling showdown at the Spectrum Center, No. 1 Duke clinched its 24th ACC Tournament title with a hard-fought 74-70 victory over No.
10 Virginia. This win marks Duke's second consecutive title, showcasing their dominance in the conference.
The game was a nail-biter, featuring 12 ties and 16 lead changes. Duke's decisive moment came with just under three minutes left, when Cayden Boozer snagged an offensive rebound and converted a layup, putting the Blue Devils ahead for good.
Isaiah Evans led the charge with 20 points, sealing the win with clutch free throws in the final seconds. Cameron Boozer contributed a well-rounded performance with 13 points, eight assists, and eight rebounds, while Cayden Boozer added 16 points, four assists, and five rebounds.
This victory places Duke in elite company, becoming the first ACC school to win championships in football, men's basketball, and women's basketball in the same academic year. They join Ohio State and Georgia as the only Power Four schools to achieve this feat.
Duke has been a powerhouse in recent years, capturing five of the last nine ACC Tournaments. Under head coach Jon Scheyer, they've continued to build on their storied legacy, with titles in 2023, 2025, and now 2026.
How It Happened:
Duke started strong with Dame Sarr's acrobatic layup, but Virginia quickly answered, taking a 9-6 lead after a 10-point run. Cayden Boozer's corner three helped Duke regain momentum, and his play continued to energize the team, pushing them ahead 18-16.
As the first half progressed, Boozer's layup and assist to Sarr extended Duke's lead. Isaiah Evans' five quick points and Boozer's fast-break dunk gave Duke a seven-point cushion, but Virginia closed the half strong, cutting the lead to 38-36.
Evans opened the second half with a three, but Virginia surged ahead 43-41. Cameron Boozer's timely three-pointer and Nikolas Khamenia's free throws swung the lead back to Duke. A crucial three-point play by Darren Harris made it 53-51 in Duke's favor.
The game remained tight, with Virginia tying it at 58. Boozer's offensive rebound and three-point play reclaimed the lead for Duke, 61-60. Evans hit a deep three, keeping Duke slightly ahead as the game neared its conclusion.
With less than two minutes remaining, Duke's four-point burst, highlighted by Boozer's layup and Evans' free throws, gave them a 70-66 lead. Despite Virginia's late push, Cameron Boozer's offensive rebound and Evans' free throws secured the win. Cayden Boozer's interception of Virginia's final inbounds pass iced the game.
Up Next:
Duke's victory not only adds another trophy to their collection but also cements their status as a formidable force in collegiate athletics. The Blue Devils continue to set the standard, blending talent, strategy, and resilience in their pursuit of excellence.