Duke Blue Devils Secure Number One Seed with 89-72 Victory Over North Carolina in ACC Championship Game

Duke University secured the top overall seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament on Saturday night at Greensboro Coliseum, defeating arch-rival North Carolina 89-72 in the ACC Championship game behind a dominant performance from freshman sensation Cooper Flagg. The Blue Devils methodical victory over the Tar Heels not only delivered their first ACC tournament title since 2019 but also capped off one of the most impressive regular seasons in program history under head coach Jon Scheyer.

Flagg was magnificent throughout the contest, scoring 24 points on efficient 9-of-14 shooting while adding 8 rebounds and 6 assists in a complete performance that showcased why many consider him the frontrunner for National Player of the Year honors. The 6-foot-9 freshman from Maine controlled the game from the opening tip, using his versatility to score from all three levels while making life difficult for North Carolina on the defensive end. His steal and thunderous dunk midway through the second half effectively ended any hopes of a Tar Heel comeback.

North Carolina, playing without injured point guard RJ Davis, struggled to generate consistent offense against Dukes suffocating defense that has been the foundation of their success throughout the 2025-26 campaign. The Tar Heels managed just 38% shooting from the field and were held to their lowest scoring output in an ACC Tournament game since 2014. Coach Hubert Davis praised his teams effort while acknowledging that Duke superior depth and talent proved decisive in the championship setting.

The victory was particularly sweet for Duke given the rivalry history and North Carolinas success in recent ACC Tournament play. The Blue Devils had lost three consecutive meetings to their Tobacco Road rivals, including a heartbreaking overtime defeat in last years tournament semifinal that many felt cost them a number one seed. Saturdays comprehensive victory served as both revenge and validation for a Duke program that has reestablished itself as a national championship contender under Scheyeres leadership.

Mark Mitchell provided excellent support for Flagg with 18 points and 7 rebounds, while veteran guard Jeremy Roach added 15 points and controlled the tempo throughout the contest. The Blue Devils balanced attack and unselfish play have been hallmarks of their success this season, with five different players averaging double figures in scoring. Their depth will be crucial during March Madness, where the margin for error becomes increasingly thin as the stakes escalate.

The number one overall seed represents the culmination of a remarkable season for Duke, who entered the year with modest expectations following significant roster turnover. Scheyeres ability to integrate talented freshmen like Flagg with experienced veterans has created a cohesive unit that appears ready for a deep tournament run. The Blue Devils will enter March Madness as one of the favorites to cut down the nets in Indianapolis, knowing that their combination of talent, coaching, and tradition provides them with every tool necessary to compete for a national championship.

As Duke players celebrated with the ACC Championship trophy, the college basketball world was reminded that the Blue Devils remain one of the sports most formidable programs when everything comes together perfectly. Their upcoming March Madness journey will be closely watched by fans hoping to witness another magical run from the program that has delivered more tournament memories than perhaps any other in college basketball history.