The Blue Devils win the ACC title with an outstanding second half.
The Blue Devils’ Historic ACC Title Win: A Second-Half Surge for the Ages
The atmosphere was electric, the crowd a mixture of fervor and anticipation, and the stakes were incredibly high. It was a momentous occasion in college basketball history—the ACC Championship, a showdown between two of the conference’s powerhouse programs. The Duke Blue Devils, led by head coach Mike Krzyzewski, had fought hard all season to earn a spot in the title game. They faced a formidable opponent, the Maryland Terrapins, who had also enjoyed a stellar season under head coach Gary Williams. But as the game progressed, it was clear that Duke’s second-half performance would etch itself into the annals of basketball lore.
This is the story of the Blue Devils’ historic ACC Championship victory, which hinged on their unforgettable second-half surge.
The Build-Up: Expectations and Anticipation
As the 2001 ACC Tournament tipped off in Greensboro, North Carolina, expectations were high for both Duke and Maryland. Duke, boasting one of the most talented rosters in the country, was seen as the team to beat. The Blue Devils were a balanced squad, loaded with NBA-caliber talent, including the likes of Shane Battier, Chris Duhon, and the stellar sophomore, Carlos Boozer.
On the other side, Maryland had quietly developed into a legitimate contender under the guidance of Gary Williams. With a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging stars like Juan Dixon and Lonny Baxter, the Terrapins had the tools to challenge the Blue Devils. Their fast-paced style and aggressive defense made them dangerous, especially in the high-stakes environment of a championship game.
From the opening tip-off, both teams played with the intensity one would expect from a rivalry of this magnitude. However, it was clear early on that Duke would have to fight through a tough first half to emerge victorious. The Terrapins played excellent defense, forcing Duke into difficult shots, while their offensive execution was sharp, with Dixon leading the way.
The First Half: Maryland’s Control and Duke’s Struggles
The first half of the 2001 ACC Championship was not a kind one for the Blue Devils. Maryland’s defense stifled Duke’s usual up-tempo game. The Terrapins were aggressive, constantly forcing Duke into difficult offensive situations. Their ability to shut down the Blue Devils’ perimeter shooting was particularly notable. Chris Duhon, one of the most promising point guards in the country, found himself struggling to create offensive opportunities, while Battier, the heart and soul of the team, couldn’t quite find his rhythm.
The first half ended with Maryland holding a comfortable lead. The Terrapins had executed their game plan to perfection, and Duke appeared rattled. The Blue Devils shot a dismal percentage from beyond the arc, and their typical defensive intensity had been muted by Maryland’s disciplined attack. Coach Krzyzewski’s face was a mixture of frustration and determination as he entered the locker room, knowing that his team was capable of much more than what they had shown in the opening 20 minutes.
On the other hand, Gary Williams could do little but try to keep his team focused. Maryland’s players were riding a wave of confidence, but they knew that the Blue Devils were a dangerous team—especially if they could find their rhythm in the second half.
The Turning Point: Coach K’s Strategy and the Emergence of Duke’s Leaders
In the locker room, Coach Krzyzewski remained calm but resolute. He knew that to win, his team would need to adjust, regroup, and rely on their defensive strength. “We need to settle down,” he told his players. “The game is far from over, and if we play our style of basketball, we’ll get back into this.”
Krzyzewski’s message was clear: it wasn’t time to panic, but time to elevate their game. The key to Duke’s success would be improving their defense and taking control of the game’s tempo. He also emphasized the need for better shot selection and more movement on offense. The Blue Devils had to make Maryland work harder for every basket in the second half.
As the second half began, Duke came out with a renewed sense of urgency. They immediately began to pick up the defensive intensity. Battier, who had struggled in the first half, found his groove on the defensive end, locking down Maryland’s key players and creating turnovers that turned into fast-break opportunities. It was clear that Duke had come to play, and their commitment to defense began to chip away at Maryland’s lead.
One of the most telling moments of the game came early in the second half. Duke’s Chris Duhon, who had been largely quiet up to that point, found his confidence. His ability to break down Maryland’s defense and set up teammates for easy shots was critical. Carlos Boozer, who had struggled in the first half with foul trouble, emerged as an offensive force, scoring key baskets to keep the Blue Devils within striking distance.
But the real shift came with Shane Battier’s leadership. Known for his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, Battier began to take over. His defensive prowess was on full display as he not only shut down Maryland’s top scorers but also hit timely shots on offense. Battier’s three-point shooting, which had been absent in the first half, started to find the mark, and his relentless hustle fueled Duke’s resurgence.
As the minutes ticked away in the second half, Duke’s defensive pressure started to break Maryland’s rhythm. The Blue Devils forced several turnovers and capitalized on fast-break opportunities. The game that had seemed so firmly in Maryland’s grasp began to slip away. Coach Krzyzewski’s emphasis on disciplined play and defense was paying off.
The Final Push: A Game-Changing Performance
As the game progressed into its final stages, it became apparent that Duke had completely turned the tide. The Blue Devils’ defense had disrupted Maryland’s offensive flow, while their offense had become increasingly efficient. With Battier leading the charge, Duke found itself within striking distance of the Terrapins.
It was now a back-and-forth contest, with both teams exchanging leads. But Duke’s defense was now suffocating, and their offense was firing on all cylinders. Chris Duhon’s playmaking, combined with Battier’s leadership, created an offensive rhythm that Maryland couldn’t match. Every time the Terrapins seemed poised to push back, Duke’s defense came up with a big stop, and their offense capitalized.
With just under two minutes remaining, Duke had clawed its way to a slim lead. The game was far from over, but the momentum had undeniably shifted in favor of the Blue Devils. Maryland’s Juan Dixon, who had been the driving force for his team all game, found himself double-teamed on several key possessions, and the Terrapins struggled to generate good looks.
In the final moments, the Blue Devils showed their championship pedigree. Battier hit a clutch three-pointer that sent the crowd into a frenzy, and Boozer, who had been a key presence all game, made crucial free throws to seal the victory. The Duke defense held strong, forcing Maryland into contested shots, and when the final buzzer sounded, the Blue Devils had come from behind to claim the 2001 ACC Championship in one of the most memorable second-half performances in the history of the tournament.
The Aftermath: A Title Earned and a Legacy Cemented
The victory was not only a testament to Duke’s resilience but also to the leadership of Coach Krzyzewski. In a season that had seen many ups and downs, Krzyzewski’s ability to adjust, motivate, and inspire his team in the second half was evident. The Blue Devils had faced adversity, but they had responded with composure, grit, and determination. This win was a perfect encapsulation of their season—a team that was capable of great things when they were playing their brand of basketball.
For Shane Battier, this game solidified his place as one of the best college players of his era. His all-around performance—marked by his defensive lockdowns, leadership, and clutch scoring—was a key factor in the Blue Devils’ title win. Battier’s play in the second half was a microcosm of his career: gritty, determined, and highly effective.
The 2001 ACC Championship would prove to be a harbinger of even greater things for Duke. Just weeks later, they would go on to win the NCAA Championship, cementing their legacy as one of the best college basketball teams of all time. But it was this ACC Championship, with its incredible second-half surge, that set the stage for their march to the national title.
A Classic Tale of Resilience and Dominance
The 2001 ACC Championship game between Duke and Maryland will always be remembered as a game of two halves. Maryland’s dominance in the first half showed the potential of their team, but it was Duke’s incredible second-half performance that stole the show. With stellar leadership, strategic adjustments, and a relentless defensive effort, the Blue Devils turned a difficult situation into an unforgettable victory.
In the years that followed, that victory would be seen as one of the defining moments of the 2001 season, a season that saw Duke achieve greatness. The game proved that with the right adjustments, leadership, and a refusal to back down, even the most daunting of challenges could be overcome. And for Duke, the 2001 ACC Championship was more than just a win—it was a symbol of their dominance, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure. It was a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence.