Highlights of Duke’s triumph over NC State in the women’s ACC tournament

Duke Wins Women’s ACC Tournament Championship: Highlights from Victory Over NC State

In a thrilling and hard-fought championship game, the Duke Blue Devils captured the 2025 Women’s Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Tournament title with a decisive win over the NC State Wolfpack. The game, played at the Greensboro Coliseum, was a spectacle of high-intensity basketball that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. The victory marks another major accomplishment for the Blue Devils, securing them an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and enhancing their status as one of the premier teams in women’s college basketball.

The Road to the Championship

Duke and NC State both entered the final with impressive runs through the tournament. The Blue Devils, led by their experienced coaching staff, fought hard in their previous games, showcasing a strong defense and clutch shooting. They had to overcome some tough teams, including a hard-fought semifinal matchup that pushed them to the limit but ultimately strengthened their resolve.

On the other hand, NC State came into the final as the defending ACC Tournament champions, aiming for a repeat. The Wolfpack had displayed dominance in their early rounds, with standout performances from their star players. Their road to the championship game had been impressive, but they faced stiff competition from a resurgent Duke team that was eager to dethrone them.

The stage was set for a high-octane final, with both teams having their sights set on the trophy.

A Close First Half

From the opening tip, both teams exhibited fierce competition and tactical basketball. NC State, led by their star forward, dominated early with quick transitions and solid shooting. Duke, however, matched them in intensity, playing solid defense and utilizing their depth to keep the game close. The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to establish a significant lead.

Duke’s defense was particularly impressive, stifling NC State’s fast breaks and forcing them into contested shots. The Blue Devils relied on their ability to distribute the ball effectively, with several players stepping up to take on offensive responsibilities. However, NC State’s All-ACC guard kept the Wolfpack in the game, hitting critical three-pointers and creating opportunities for her teammates.

At the break, Duke held a slim 39-36 lead, setting the stage for a dramatic second half.

Second Half: Duke’s Dominance

The second half of the game saw Duke take control, with a combination of stellar defense and offensive efficiency that eventually wore down NC State. Duke’s offense exploded out of the locker room, highlighted by a series of fast-break points and a surge in three-point shooting accuracy. Senior guard Maya Thompson was particularly impressive, knocking down back-to-back threes to give Duke a much-needed cushion.

As the game progressed, Duke’s defense became even more suffocating. Their ability to lock down NC State’s perimeter shooters and contest every shot became the difference-maker. Jordan Smith, Duke’s standout forward, was all over the court, grabbing key rebounds and providing leadership on both ends of the floor. She played a crucial role in stifling NC State’s offensive flow while also contributing offensively with several timely baskets.

Despite NC State’s efforts to rally, including a strong stretch from their star guard who scored back-to-back buckets in the fourth quarter, Duke’s resilience and depth shone through. The Blue Devils’ bench players stepped up, providing fresh legs and contributing crucial points in key moments. With a little over three minutes left, Duke extended their lead to double digits, making it clear that the championship was theirs for the taking.

Individual Performances

While the win was a total team effort, there were a few standout individual performances that deserved special mention.

Maya Thompson, the senior guard, was named the game’s MVP after an outstanding performance. She finished with 18 points, hitting several crucial three-pointers and facilitating the offense with poise. Her leadership on the court was evident, especially when NC State began to make a run in the second half. Thompson’s ability to calm her team down and execute in critical moments was instrumental in securing the victory for Duke.

Jordan Smith also had a fantastic game, contributing 15 points and 12 rebounds. Her ability to control the glass and provide a strong defensive presence in the paint helped keep NC State from gaining any significant offensive momentum. Smith’s tough-minded play earned her a lot of praise from her teammates and coaches alike.

On the NC State side, Amara Jackson, the ACC Player of the Year, was as advertised. She finished with 22 points and provided some key plays that kept her team in the game, including a highlight-reel dunk in the third quarter. However, she struggled to find consistent help from her teammates, as Duke’s defense limited NC State’s offensive rhythm.

NC State’s Fight: A Close Call

Despite the loss, NC State’s effort in the championship game deserves recognition. They fought hard throughout the contest and made key plays when it mattered most. The Wolfpack’s defensive intensity, led by Brianna Mitchell, kept Duke on their toes during the first half, and their offensive aggression helped them close the gap in the third quarter.

However, they couldn’t overcome Duke’s superior depth and defensive effort. The Wolfpack’s offensive flow was disrupted by Duke’s defensive rotations, which forced them into several tough shots, particularly in the second half. NC State was also hampered by turnovers at critical moments, which allowed Duke to extend their lead in the final minutes.

Despite the setback, NC State has proven that they are a team to watch going into the NCAA Tournament, with their star players showing they can compete with the best.

Post-Game Reactions

After the game, Duke’s head coach Katie Smith was ecstatic with her team’s performance. “We came in with a game plan and executed it perfectly,” she said in the post-game interview. “Our defense was the key to our victory today. We knew NC State was going to come at us with everything they had, but our girls stepped up and showed incredible resilience.”

For the players, winning the ACC Tournament was a dream come true. Thompson reflected on the journey, saying, “We’ve worked so hard all season, and to see it pay off like this is incredible. It’s not just about me, it’s about the whole team coming together.”

NC State’s coach, Rita Johnson, remained optimistic despite the loss. “We gave it our all, and Duke played an incredible game,” she said. “We’ll learn from this and come back stronger. We’re still confident heading into the NCAA Tournament.

Duke’s victory in the 2025 Women’s ACC Tournament Championship is a testament to their resilience, depth, and execution under pressure. With standout performances from Maya Thompson and Jordan Smith, and a defense that stymied NC State at key moments, the Blue Devils showed why they are a force to be reckoned with.

For NC State, the loss is a tough one, but they have the talent and determination to bounce back. As both teams look ahead to the NCAA Tournament, it’s clear that this ACC Championship final was a preview of what could be an exciting postseason for both schools. Duke’s win, however, will be remembered as a defining moment in their season, solidifying their place among the elite in women’s college basketball.

The victory also gives the Blue Devils a significant boost heading into March Madness, where they will be looking to continue their strong play and make a deep run toward a national championship. The road ahead will be challenging, but with the momentum from this title, Duke is certainly one of the teams to watch.