
Duke Stuns Notre Dame to Secure Spot in ACC Tournament Final
The Blue Devils triumphed over the Fighting Irish, advancing in the prestigious ACC Tournament amidst a turbulent season for Notre Dame.
Duke stunned Notre Dame 61-54 in the ACC Tournament semifinals on Saturday, marking a significant victory for the Blue Devils as they seek a title.
The Fighting Irish have struggled recently, with three losses in their last five games, just before the NCAA Tournament. Notre Dame spent much of the season near the top of the AP Top 25, but this loss has put their chances of a No. 1 seed in jeopardy.
Game Highlights
- Close contest: The match featured nine lead changes and seven ties.
- Injured prestige: Notre Dame failed to perform at their typical level, scoring significantly below their average of 85 points.
- Key contributors: While Hidalgo led all scorers with 23 points for Notre Dame, Duke’s scoring was spread across their roster, with Okananwa and Jackson contributing 14 and 12 points respectively.
Next Steps
Duke will face top-seeded NC State at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday for the ACC championship.