The ACC tournament kicks off Tuesday with several big questions looming.
Can anyone challenge Duke? Will the conference send more than three teams to the NCAA tournament? Can North Carolina turn its season around and secure a tournament bid?
Key Storylines to Watch
Will Duke continue its dominance?
Cooper Flagg’s freshman season has lived up to the hype, cementing him as the likely No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft. He, along with fellow NBA prospects Khaman Maluach and Kon Knueppel, has led Duke to a commanding 19-1 record in ACC play, with the nation’s largest scoring margin (22.1 PPG). As the tournament begins in Charlotte, Duke stands head and shoulders above the competition.
Can Clemson or Louisville pose a threat?
With the ACC having a down year, only Clemson and Louisville are locks for the NCAA tournament alongside Duke. Clemson handed Duke its only conference loss, winning 77-71 at home on Feb. 8. Meanwhile, Duke defeated Louisville 76-65 in their lone meeting on Dec. 8. The question is whether either team can mount a serious challenge in the ACC tournament.
Will North Carolina fight its way into the NCAA tournament?
The Tar Heels entered the season ranked No. 9 in the country but now find themselves on the wrong side of the NCAA tournament bubble. While they gained momentum with a six-game win streak against weaker ACC opponents, Saturday’s loss to Duke was a setback. To secure an NCAA bid, North Carolina will need a strong showing in the ACC tournament.
ACC tournament bracket
This will be the ACC Tournament bracket regardless of the outcome of the Syracuse-Virginia game: pic.twitter.com/BegMzvI3o5
— Kelly Dickey (@RealCardGame) March 9, 2025
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