Duke Wins Women’s ACC Tournament Championship: Highlights from Victory Over NC State
In an electrifying finale to the 2025 ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament, the Duke Blue Devils claimed the conference championship with a dominant 72-58 victory over the NC State Wolfpack. The win not only capped off a remarkable run in Greensboro but also solidified Duke’s place as one of the top women’s basketball programs in the nation. This victory marked Duke’s first ACC Tournament title since 2014 and was a true testament to the team’s resilience, depth, and poise under pressure.
The Blue Devils were led by an impressive team effort, with standout performances from both veterans and rising stars. However, it was the stellar play of star guard Celeste Taylor and freshman forward Jessika Johnson that ultimately propelled Duke to the win. NC State, under head coach Wes Moore, proved to be a formidable opponent, but despite their tenacious effort and the brilliant play of senior Jakia Brown-Turner, Duke’s balanced attack and defensive dominance were too much to overcome.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the key moments, performances, and tactical decisions that defined Duke’s championship run and the story of how the Blue Devils emerged as the champions of the ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament in 2025.
Setting the Stage: A Tale of Two Teams
As the ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament approached its conclusion, the matchup between Duke and NC State promised to be a clash of titans. Duke, led by second-year head coach Kara Lawson, had entered the tournament as the No. 3 seed, with a strong regular-season record of 25-6. The Blue Devils had impressed throughout the season with their dynamic offense and gritty defense, making them a legitimate contender for the title. The team was particularly notable for its deep and versatile roster, which included experienced upperclassmen alongside an influx of talented freshmen who had quickly adapted to the demands of college basketball.
On the other hand, NC State entered the final as the No. 2 seed, boasting a record of 26-5 for the season. The Wolfpack, led by the experienced and accomplished Wes Moore, had been one of the most consistent teams in the ACC. NC State had a standout senior in Jakia Brown-Turner, who was the centerpiece of their offense and a leading contender for ACC Player of the Year honors. With a solid blend of offensive firepower and defensive tenacity, the Wolfpack were more than capable of winning the tournament, and they had proven that by dispatching formidable opponents on their path to the final.
As the two teams took to the court in Greensboro’s Greensboro Coliseum, it was clear that this would be a matchup that would not disappoint. Both teams had proven they could compete at the highest level, and the stage was set for a thrilling championship showdown.
First Half: A Strong Start by NC State
The opening minutes of the game were a tense back-and-forth affair, with both teams establishing their defensive presence early on. NC State came out with an aggressive strategy, seeking to exploit Duke’s defensive gaps by attacking the basket and relying on the leadership of Brown-Turner. The senior guard played a pivotal role in the opening quarter, scoring 8 points and setting up her teammates for key buckets. Her ability to drive the lane and draw fouls put Duke on the backfoot early, with the Blue Devils struggling to contain her at times.
Despite NC State’s fast start, Duke’s defense soon began to lock in, forcing turnovers and limiting the Wolfpack’s second-chance opportunities. The Blue Devils’ defense was one of the standout features of their tournament run, and they proved resilient once NC State began to push the pace. However, Duke’s offense struggled to find a rhythm early in the game. The team’s leading scorer, Celeste Taylor, found herself bottled up by NC State’s tight defense, and the Blue Devils had difficulty hitting outside shots.
Duke’s breakthrough came midway through the second quarter when freshman Jessika Johnson stepped up in a big way. The 6’4” forward, who had already shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, became a dominant force inside. Johnson’s physical presence in the paint created matchup problems for NC State, and she quickly became the focal point of Duke’s offense. Over the course of the quarter, Johnson scored 8 of her 16 points, helping Duke close the gap and give them momentum heading into the second half.
The back-and-forth nature of the first half resulted in NC State holding a narrow 35-32 lead at the break. Brown-Turner finished the half with 12 points and 5 rebounds, while Johnson led Duke with 10 points. Despite the Wolfpack holding the lead, the Blue Devils were confident that they could turn the tide in the second half, as they had shown resilience all season long.
Second Half: Duke Takes Control
As the second half began, it became clear that Duke was ready to seize control of the game. The Blue Devils’ defense was locked in, and they made a concerted effort to shut down NC State’s offensive flow. While Brown-Turner remained a constant threat for the Wolfpack, Duke’s defensive adjustments paid off, with players like Taylor and sophomore forward Jordan Oliver providing help defense to limit her effectiveness.
On the offensive end, Duke found their rhythm, largely thanks to Taylor and Johnson. Taylor, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, came alive in the third quarter, showcasing her scoring ability and leadership. The senior guard’s explosiveness and ability to attack the basket helped Duke stretch the floor, and she also contributed with key assists to her teammates. Taylor scored 10 of her 18 points in the third quarter, bringing Duke back into the game and eventually giving them a 53-51 lead heading into the final quarter.
However, it was the play of Jessika Johnson that truly proved to be a game-changer. Johnson’s rebounding and presence inside the paint were crucial in the second half, as NC State’s defense simply could not match her strength and skill. Johnson’s ability to finish through contact and her steady free-throw shooting down the stretch allowed Duke to build a comfortable lead as the game neared its conclusion. Her double-double performance—16 points and 12 rebounds—was one of the most impactful of the tournament and solidified her place as one of the rising stars of women’s college basketball.
By the start of the fourth quarter, Duke had seized the momentum, and NC State was struggling to keep pace. The Wolfpack, who had relied heavily on Brown-Turner in the first half, found themselves facing a defense that was now rotating more effectively and challenging every shot. As the clock wound down, the Blue Devils continued to execute with precision on both ends of the floor. Taylor hit a crucial three-pointer with just under 3 minutes left, extending Duke’s lead to 68-58 and effectively putting the game out of reach.
Key Performances: Celeste Taylor and Jessika Johnson Lead the Way
While Duke’s victory was a team effort, the standout performances from Celeste Taylor and Jessika Johnson were the driving forces behind the Blue Devils’ championship run.
Celeste Taylor: Taylor, who had been the Blue Devils’ leader throughout the season, showed why she is one of the best players in the ACC. As the game’s leading scorer, Taylor finished with 18 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds. Her offensive explosion in the second half, particularly in the third quarter, allowed Duke to overtake NC State and never look back. Taylor’s ability to attack the basket and draw fouls was key to Duke’s offensive success, and her leadership on the court proved invaluable during crunch time. Throughout the tournament, Taylor had been a steady force, and her experience and poise were instrumental in Duke’s victory.
Jessika Johnson: The performance of freshman forward Jessika Johnson was a revelation. While Duke has been known for its impressive roster of veteran players, Johnson’s emergence as a dominant inside presence was a key factor in their success. She finished with a double-double, posting 16 points and 12 rebounds, while also contributing on the defensive end with two blocks. Johnson’s physicality in the paint was unmatched by NC State’s defenders, and she helped Duke dominate on the boards, securing crucial second-chance opportunities. Her ability to finish through contact and her efficient shooting from the field were significant factors in the Blue Devils’ ability to sustain their offensive attack.
Duke’s Defense: The Difference-Maker
One of the key factors in Duke’s win was their outstanding defensive performance. In the second half, the Blue Devils adjusted their defense to limit NC State’s offensive flow, particularly shutting down Brown-Turner, who had been the driving force for the Wolfpack in the first half. Taylor and Oliver did an excellent job of contesting shots and forcing turnovers, while Johnson’s rebounding and rim protection disrupted NC State’s offensive schemes. Duke’s defensive discipline helped them stay in the game despite NC State’s initial offensive success.
The Blue Devils’ ability to guard the perimeter also became critical, as NC State struggled to get clean looks from beyond the arc in the second half. The defensive rotations were sharp, and Duke’s ability to switch effectively on screens stifled the Wolfpack’s offensive sets.
A Historic Victory
Duke’s 72-58 win over NC State in the 2025 ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament final was more than just a championship victory—it was a statement. The Blue Devils had shown resilience, teamwork, and exceptional individual performances, and their ability to rally in the second half demonstrated their mental toughness and determination. For head coach Kara Lawson, this victory marked a significant milestone in her career and proved that she had the ability to lead her team to success on the biggest stage.
For the program, this victory represents a return to the top of the ACC. The Blue Devils had been one of the premier teams in women’s college basketball throughout the 2000s and early 2010s but had experienced some lean years in recent seasons. With this championship, Duke has now firmly re-established itself as one of the elite programs in the country, and the future looks incredibly bright.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the NCAA Tournament
With the ACC Tournament championship in hand, Duke heads into the NCAA Tournament with momentum and confidence. The Blue Devils’ balanced offensive attack, strong defense, and leadership from Taylor and Johnson make them a formidable contender for the national title. As they prepare for March Madness, Duke’s victory in Greensboro has proven that they are a team capable of competing with the best in the country.
For Celeste Taylor, Jessika Johnson, and the rest of the Blue Devils, the journey is far from over. The ACC title was just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and memorable postseason run. With a championship pedigree, strong team chemistry, and the drive to succeed, Duke is poised to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament and contend for its first national title since 2006.
For now, however, the Blue Devils can savor their historic victory in the 2025 ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament, a victory that has solidified their place among the elite teams in women’s college basketball.