The ACC Tournament has delivered plenty of drama, with every team in the semifinals surviving intense matchups on Thursday in Charlotte. Duke had to overcome an early deficit and the absence of Cooper Flagg to fend off Georgia Tech. North Carolina staged a comeback after falling behind by double digits against Wake Forest. Louisville needed a last-second shot from Chucky Hepburn to extend their season, while Clemson held off SMU in a hard-fought battle.
With the semifinals set, all four teams appear destined for the NCAA Tournament, though one is still fighting to remove any lingering doubt. Regardless of the outcomes, it’s shaping up to be an exciting finish in the ACC.
Duke vs. North Carolina: The Rivalry Adds Another Chapter
One of the greatest rivalries in college basketball takes center stage again as Duke and North Carolina meet in a high-stakes semifinal. The Blue Devils have had the upper hand this season, winning both previous matchups comfortably. However, this time they will likely be without their star player, Cooper Flagg, which could level the playing field. Duke has already secured a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, so a loss wouldn’t have major implications for them.
For North Carolina, however, this game carries significant weight. The Tar Heels remain on the tournament bubble, largely due to their poor Quad One record (1-11), despite an undefeated mark in Quad Two games (8-0). While opinions on their tournament chances vary, history suggests that power conference teams in similar positions often find a way into the field of 68. A victory over Duke would eliminate any doubt and solidify their place.
Clemson vs. Louisville: Fighting for Positioning
While both Clemson and Louisville have locked in their NCAA Tournament spots, their matchup still carries importance. The winner will improve their seeding, with Clemson having a shot at climbing as high as a No. 3 seed, while Louisville could push into the five or six range.
Beyond seeding, this game will showcase two of the biggest threats to Duke within the ACC. Clemson has already beaten the Blue Devils, while Louisville has been dominant down the stretch. With a conference title on the line, expect both teams to bring their best.
ACC’s NCAA Tournament Outlook
It has been a rough year for the ACC, with the conference underperforming and missing out on multiple tournament bids. At one point, six or seven teams looked capable of making the field, but inconsistent play narrowed that number down. As of now, only three teams are locks, with North Carolina still looking to secure their place.
While mid-major teams might have stronger résumés, the Selection Committee historically leans toward power conference programs in close decisions. That reality works in North Carolina’s favor, making it highly likely they’ll hear their name called on Selection Sunday.
With the ACC Tournament nearing its conclusion, fans can expect intense matchups as these four teams battle for both the conference title and NCAA Tournament positioning .