DULUTH, Ga. – In a thrilling finish at Gas South Arena, the Duke Blue Devils secured their second consecutive ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament championship, overcoming a determined Louisville squad 70-65 in overtime on Sunday, March 8, 2026. The victory marks a stunning turnaround for a Duke team that began the season with a challenging 3-6 record, showcasing resilience and unwavering belief throughout the year.
The championship game was a back-and-forth affair, with Louisville building as much as an 11-point lead. However, Duke refused to yield, battling back to force overtime and ultimately sealing the win with a clutch three-pointer from sophomore guard Riley Nelson as the shot clock expired. This victory not only earns Duke an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament but also solidifies their status as a force in women’s college basketball.
From Struggles to Success: Duke’s Season Turnaround
Duke’s journey to the ACC title was far from straightforward. After a disappointing start to the season, including losses to West Virginia, UCF, South Carolina, UCLA, and LSU, the Blue Devils embarked on a remarkable 17-game winning streak. This resurgence propelled them to the top of the ACC standings and ultimately culminated in both the regular-season and tournament championships – a feat accomplished only seven times previously in program history, and the most among all current ACC members. Duke’s overall record now stands at 24-8, with a 16-2 mark in conference play.
Key Moments in the Championship Game
The final minutes of regulation were a whirlwind of momentum swings. Trailing by four with just four minutes remaining, Duke began their comeback. A crucial position-back and foul drawn by Delaney Thomas, followed by a three-pointer from Riley Nelson, tied the game with 27 seconds left. Louisville briefly regained the lead with a layup and a free throw, but Thomas responded with a clutch layup of her own with only four seconds remaining, sending the game into overtime.
In overtime, Duke took control, leading for the majority of the period. After falling behind 63-62, a layup by Thomas put the Blue Devils ahead for good, securing their 70-65 victory. The team’s ability to remain composed under pressure and execute in critical moments proved to be the difference.
Lawson Praises Team’s Resilience
Duke head coach Kara Lawson emphasized the significance of the team’s journey, particularly given their challenging start. “It’s very special for this group to kind of complete the journey in the ACC because everyone knows about our start,” Lawson said. “Every time I hear ‘3-6’ for the rest of my life, I’m probably going to think about this year.” Lawson also highlighted the adversity the team faced, including the loss of three players for the entire season, and praised their ability to overcome these obstacles and forge a winning identity.
Riley Nelson echoed her coach’s sentiments, stating, “Coach never gave up on us, even when we had our 3-6 start. She believes in us, and we bought into that process.”
What’s Next for the Blue Devils?
With the ACC Tournament title secured, Duke now turns its attention to the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The Blue Devils will look to carry their momentum and continue their impressive run as they compete for a national championship. Their performance throughout the season, coupled with their championship victory, positions them as a strong contender in the tournament field. The NCAA tournament bracket will be revealed on March 16, 2026, setting the stage for the next chapter in Duke’s remarkable season.
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