Duke’s Second-Half Surge: How the Blue Devils Claimed the ACC Championship

Ashlon Jackson, wearing #3 for the Duke Blue Devils, pushes the ball up the court against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second half of the ACC Women's Basketball Tournament semifinal.

The Duke Blue Devils proved that championships aren’t just won with talent—they’re earned with resilience, determination, and the ability to rise in the face of adversity. In a thrilling ACC Championship showdown, Duke stormed back from a halftime deficit, using a relentless second-half rally to secure the conference title.

The game didn’t begin in Duke’s favor. NC State Wolfpack came out firing, setting the tone with aggressive defense and efficient scoring. Duke struggled to find rhythm offensively, facing double teams in the paint and misfiring from beyond the arc. At halftime, they trailed by a significant margin, leaving fans wondering if they could mount a comeback.

Head coach Kara Lawson’s halftime speech was exactly what Duke needed. Instead of dwelling on the struggles of the first half, she focused on energy, execution, and defensive intensity. The Blue Devils came out of the locker room with a new mindset—one that would change the game entirely.

Duke’s defense tightened, forcing turnovers and disrupting their NC State offensive flow. They turned defense into offense, pushing the tempo and finding high-percentage shots. The team’s leading scorers came alive, with clutch shooting and strong drives to the basket.

Momentum completely shifted in the third quarter as Duke cut into the deficit, fueled by the roar of their fans and an undeniable belief in their ability to win. By the start of the fourth quarter, the Blue Devils had not only erased the lead but had taken control of the game.

With the game on the line, Duke’s veterans stepped up in the clutch. Key free throws, timely defensive stops, and an unwavering determination sealed the victory. As the final buzzer sounded, the Blue Devils celebrated a hard-fought ACC Championship win, proving their resilience and championship DNA. This victory cements Duke as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball. Their ability to overcome adversity and execute in high-pressure moments makes them a dangerous team heading into the NCAA Tournament. With momentum on their side, the Blue Devils are poised for a deep postseason run.

Duke’s ACC Championship win wasn’t just about talent—it was about heart. Their second-half surge showcased their championship mentality, and as they prepare for the next stage, one thing is certain: the Blue Devils won’t go down without a fight Beating Every Team In The ACC Tournament That They Lost To In The Regular Season.