Another March, another freshman, the very same question: Can anyone take down the dominant Duke Blue Devils?
In 2025, it was Cooper Flagg who led Jon Scheyer’s side to an ACC championship sweep. This time around, it’s Cameron Boozer, the efficient and disciplined lead option who plays far beyond his age. Duke romped to a 17-1 conference record, and it’s perched atop the AP poll as college basketball enters its postseason. The favored Blue Devils stay in-state for Charlotte’s ACC tournament action.
The rest of the field looks to flip scripts and spoil narratives. Virginia and Miami both have impressive campaigns under first-year head coaches. North Carolina has the experience to rally past Caleb Wilson’s injury. And upsets could come from the likes of Clemson or Louisville. It is the month of madness, lest we forget. Here’s how ACC loyalists and curious onlookers can follow the conference tournament. Check back here each day for the updated scoreboard and TV listings.
How to watch the ACC men’s basketball tournament
All ESPN programs, including the ACC Network, are also available on ESPN Unlimited.
ACC tournament preview
The 15-team tourney uses a double-bye system. As a result, the conference’s top four seeds go straight to the quarterfinals, and Nos. 5-9 start in the second round. Three ACC teams did not qualify for the tournament: Notre Dame, Georgia Tech and Boston College.
Top-seeded Duke is the bracket’s clear favorite, fueled by the best defensive rating in the country. Boozer has national player of the year aura. He enters the tournament averaging 22.7 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game, with a 6-foot-9 frame that affords tremendous versatility. Rangy sophomore guard Isaiah Evans complements the offense along the perimeter.
Senior Maliq Brown is the conference’s defensive player of the year, and he’s come off the bench for all but three games. The Blue Devils will have to navigate injuries to both Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba II, though. The latter boosts Duke through stout rim defense and interior dimes. Opponents will try to pound the paint if he’s unable to suit up.
Virginia secured the tournament’s second seed with an impressive 15-3 conference mark. Behind longtime program leader Tony Bennett, the Cavaliers won two ACC tournaments and the national championship in 2019. It appears that new head coach Ryan Odom has revived the spirit in Charlottesville. Belgian forward Thijs De Ridder is a 23-year-old freshman with first-team All-ACC honors. He’s at 55.9 percent in effective shooting, and he can swing a possession off the glass or behind the arc. The Cavs lead the field in offensive rebounds and blocks per game.
Miami follows suit with newcomer Jai Lucas, a former Duke assistant and standout recruiter under Scheyer. Lucas’ team leads the ACC in field goal percentage, making more than half of its tries on the season. Two Hurricanes are in the top 10 for conference scoring: Miami native Malik Reneau averages 19 points from the forward spot, while former Auburn and Michigan guard Tre Donaldson puts up almost 17. Reneau was named to the all-conference first team.
The Wilson injury is a massive bummer for perennial contender UNC, but Hubert Davis has seasoned secondary players who can step up down the stretch. Estonian 7-footer Henri Veesaar shoots 68.6 percent on 2s and 41.5 percent on 3s. Four-year Tar Heel Seth Trimble sank the buzzer-beater that gave Duke its lone conference L.
Clemson claims unique depth and stability in today’s college landscape. The Tigers’ top six scorers by points per game each played in all 31 regular-season outings. Five of those six players are upperclassmen.
Meanwhile, Louisville can pressure its opponents through the conference’s best scoring offense. No ACC member takes or makes more 3s than the fast-paced Cardinals. Five-star freshman Mikel Brown Jr. hasn’t played since Feb. 28 due to a back issue. If Brown gets right, or if senior Ryan Conwell has a few heat-check moments, Louisville could brew up some chaos in Charlotte.
Tournament schedule
All times ET. Conference tournament seedings are also listed.
Tuesday, March 10 – First round
Broadcaster: ACC Network
- Game 1: No. 10 Stanford vs. No. 15 Pitt, 2 p.m.
- Game 2: No. 11 SMU vs. No. 14 Syracuse, 4:30 p.m.
- Game 3: No. 12 Virginia Tech vs. No. 13 Wake Forest, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, March 11 – Second round
Broadcasters: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU
- Game 4: No. 7 NC State vs. Game 1 winner, noon (ESPN/ESPN2)
- Game 5: No. 6 Louisville vs. Game 2 winner, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN)
- Game 6: No. 8 Florida State vs. No. 9 California, 7 p.m. (ESPN2)
- Game 7: No. 5 Clemson vs. Game 3 winner, 9:30 p.m. (ESPN2/ESPNU)
Thursday, March 12 – Quarterfinals
Broadcasters: ESPN, ESPN2
- Game 8: No. 2 Virginia vs. Game 4 winner, noon (ESPN/ESPN2)
- Game 9: No. 3 Miami vs. Game 5 winner, 2:30 p.m (ESPN/ESPN2)
- Game 10: No. 1 Duke vs. Game 6 winner, 7 p.m. (ESPN/ESPN2)
- Game 11: No. 4 North Carolina vs. Game 7 winner, 9:30 p.m. (ESPN/ESPN2)
Friday, March 13 – Semifinals
Broadcaster: ESPN, ESPN2
- Game 12: Game 8 winner vs. Game 9 winner, 7 p.m. (ESPN/ESPN2)
- Game 13: Game 10 winner vs. Game 11 winner, 9:30 p.m. (ESPN/ESPN2)
Saturday, March 14 – Championship
Broadcaster: ESPN
- Game 14: Game 12 winner vs. Game 13 winner, 8:30 p.m.
Last 10 ACC tournament champs
2025: Duke
2024: NC State
2023: Duke
2022: Virginia Tech
2021: Georgia Tech
2020: Tournament canceled for COVID-19 pandemic
2019: Duke
2018: Virginia
2017: Duke
2016: North Carolina
2015: Notre Dame
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