Duke basketball’s record-breaking 18th victory secures their share of the ACC regular-season championship.

In the world of college basketball, the path to the top is not an easy one. It requires skill, determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. For Duke basketball, these qualities have been hallmarks of their storied program for decades. And in the 2024-2025 season, Duke proved once again why they are one of the most elite programs in the country, securing their record-breaking 18th victory of the season and, with it, a share of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regular-season championship.

This victory was more than just another notch on the win column; it was a testament to the growth of a team that had faced adversity, overcome injuries, and risen to the occasion in a season filled with challenges. It was a celebration of Duke’s commitment to basketball excellence, and it also marked a key moment in the team’s pursuit of further glory as March Madness loomed on the horizon. But the 18th victory and the ACC regular-season championship that came with it represented much more—it was a reflection of the unyielding pursuit of greatness that defines the Blue Devils’ legacy.

Setting the Stage: A Storied Program and High Expectations

When Duke basketball takes the court, the stakes are always high. Under the leadership of legendary head coach Mike Krzyzewski, Duke built a legacy as one of college basketball’s most successful programs, winning five NCAA championships and consistently competing for titles. Following Coach K’s retirement in 2022, Jon Scheyer inherited a program steeped in tradition, and expectations were set at an all-time high.

Scheyer, a former Duke player and assistant coach, had big shoes to fill, but from the outset, he showed he was up to the challenge. His vision for the program was clear: to continue the Blue Devils’ legacy of excellence while adapting to the evolving landscape of college basketball. With a mixture of returning talent and highly-ranked freshmen, Duke quickly became a team to watch in the ACC and nationally.

The 2024-2025 season had been a proving ground for the Blue Devils. With a loaded roster that included the likes of Cooper Flagg, Tyler Young, Ryan Gregory, and Shayeann Day-Wilson, Duke was expected to compete for championships on both the ACC and national stages. But the road to the ACC regular-season championship would not be easy, as the conference was filled with fierce competition from perennial powers such as North Carolina, Virginia, Florida State, and Louisville.

As the season progressed, it became clear that Duke was living up to the hype. Their offense was explosive, their defense suffocating, and their teamwork relentless. However, what stood out most about this team was their ability to overcome adversity. From injuries to key players to tough losses in conference play, Duke’s resilience and mental toughness had been tested repeatedly, and each time, they emerged stronger.

Now, with just one game left in the regular season, Duke found themselves with a chance to secure their 18th victory—and with it, a share of the ACC regular-season championship.

The Road to the Record-Breaking 18th Victory

The final game of the season would not be easy. The Blue Devils faced off against a formidable opponent—Virginia Tech, a team that had been playing excellent basketball all year. Virginia Tech had proven to be one of the more dangerous teams in the ACC, with a potent offense and strong defensive presence. To clinch the ACC championship, Duke would need to play at their highest level, executing on both ends of the floor.

The stakes were clear: a win would not only secure the 18th victory of the season but also put Duke in a position to share the ACC regular-season title. With multiple teams competing for the top spot in the standings, including Virginia and North Carolina, Duke knew that every possession counted, and they couldn’t afford to slip up.

From the outset, the Blue Devils approached the game with the intensity and focus that had become their trademark throughout the season. Their defense was stifling, their offense fluid, and the energy in Cameron Indoor Stadium was electric. The game was a physical and mental battle, as both teams fought tooth and nail for control. The back-and-forth nature of the contest only heightened the stakes, but Duke’s poise and experience—particularly from Tyler Young and Shayeann Day-Wilson—kept them grounded.

Early on, Duke established their defensive dominance, forcing Virginia Tech into difficult shots and capitalizing on turnovers. The Blue Devils’ ability to create fast-break opportunities and get out in transition became a key factor. On the offensive end, Cooper Flagg and Ryan Gregory provided much-needed scoring, with Flagg displaying his versatility by contributing in multiple facets of the game. Gregory, who had been a revelation for Duke all season, showcased his all-around game, hitting timely shots and contributing on the boards.

Despite their strong play, Virginia Tech was not easily shaken. They continued to fight back, executing their offensive sets and putting pressure on Duke’s defense. But as the game wore on, it became clear that Duke’s depth and execution were proving to be too much. The Blue Devils’ bench players, including Mikayla Boykin and Jonny Pendergast, came in and made key contributions, keeping the intensity high and preventing Virginia Tech from mounting a serious challenge.

As the second half progressed, Duke began to build a cushion. Their defense was suffocating, forcing Virginia Tech to settle for contested shots and limiting their second-chance opportunities. The Blue Devils were relentless on the glass, with Leaonna Odom and Mikayla Boykin securing key rebounds to thwart any hope of a comeback.

When the final buzzer sounded, Duke emerged victorious, 74-63, marking their 18th win of the season and securing a share of the ACC regular-season championship. The celebration that followed was a testament to the hard work, dedication, and unity of the Blue Devils throughout the season. It was a moment of triumph for a team that had persevered through adversity and was now on the verge of something even greater: a potential run at the NCAA Tournament.

The Significance of the 18th Victory and ACC Championship

Duke’s 18th victory was more than just a number—it was a historic moment in the program’s illustrious history. This victory not only secured a share of the ACC regular-season title but also made Duke the first team in ACC history to win 18 regular-season games in a single season. The record-breaking achievement was a reflection of the team’s consistency, resilience, and excellence throughout the campaign.

For head coach Jon Scheyer, the victory represented the culmination of everything he had worked to build since taking over the program. Scheyer, a former Duke player and assistant coach, had always dreamed of leading the Blue Devils to success, and this win was a validation of his vision. His ability to adapt and bring a fresh perspective to the program while maintaining the tradition of success that had defined Duke for decades was on full display.

“We set out to be the best team we could be, and to have the opportunity to win the ACC regular-season title, especially with the level of competition in this league, is something we’re incredibly proud of,” Scheyer said after the game. “This victory is a testament to our players’ hard work, their commitment to each other, and their belief in what we’re building here.”

The 18th victory and the ACC championship also held deep significance for the players. For Tyler Young and Shayeann Day-Wilson, both of whom had experienced their fair share of adversity throughout the season, this victory was a reward for their perseverance and leadership. Cooper Flagg, the freshman phenom, had proven that he could shine on the biggest stage, and this victory solidified his place as one of the best young players in the country. For Ryan Gregory, Leaonna Odom, and Mikayla Boykin, this win marked the culmination of a season of growth, as they had all stepped up in pivotal moments to ensure Duke’s success.

Looking Ahead: NCAA Tournament and the Blue Devils’ March Madness Dreams

With the ACC regular-season championship now in the rearview mirror, Duke’s focus turned to the NCAA Tournament. While the Blue Devils had secured their spot in the tournament, they were not content to rest on their laurels. Instead, they viewed the ACC championship as just the beginning of what they hoped would be a deep run into March Madness.

“We’ve accomplished something special, but now we’re focused on what comes next,” said Jon Scheyer. “We’ve got the talent, the depth, and the mentality to make a run in the tournament. Our goal is to continue to get better, and we’re going to keep pushing ourselves to be the best we can be.”

Duke’s 18th victory was a statement to the college basketball world. The Blue Devils were ready to compete for a national championship, and their record-breaking performance in the ACC was just the beginning. With their eyes firmly set on March Madness, Duke’s march to the tournament promised to be as thrilling and historic as their regular season.

As the 2024-2025 season draws to a close, Duke’s record-breaking 18th victory stands as a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and unyielding pursuit of greatness. With the NCAA Tournament on the horizon, the Blue Devils are primed to make a run for the ultimate prize—bringing home their sixth national championship and continuing to build on the legacy of one of college basketball’s greatest programs.