College Basketball Conference Tournament Champions: Duke, Houston, and St. John’s Shine in 2025
The 2025 college basketball conference tournament season concluded with thrilling performances from Duke, Houston, and St. John’s, each securing prestigious titles in their respective conferences. These victories not only highlighted the prowess of these programs but also set the stage for an exciting NCAA Tournament.
Duke Blue Devils: Dominating the ACC
The Duke Blue Devils clinched the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Tournament title with a commanding 73-62 victory over the Louisville Cardinals. Despite the absence of their star player, Cooper Flagg, due to an ankle injury, Duke showcased their depth and resilience. Tyrese Proctor led the team with 19 points, while Kon Knueppel, named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, contributed 18 points. Sion James added 15 points, and Khaman Maluach provided a solid presence in the paint with 8 points and 10 rebounds. Duke’s defense was particularly stifling in the second half, including a decisive 12-0 run that secured their 23rd ACC Tournament title and their second in three years.
Houston Cougars: Triumph in the Big 12
The Houston Cougars emerged victorious in the Big 12 Tournament, defeating the Duke Blue Devils 70-67 in a closely contested championship game. The Cougars’ balanced attack and tenacious defense proved pivotal in overcoming Duke’s formidable lineup. This win marked a significant achievement for Houston, solidifying their status as a top contender in the NCAA Tournament.
St. John’s Red Storm: A Historic Big East Victory
The St. John’s Red Storm captured their first Big East Tournament title in 25 years with an impressive 82-66 win over the Creighton Bluejays. RJ Luis Jr. was instrumental in the victory, scoring 29 points, with 27 coming in the second half. Zuby Ejiofor added 20 points, and Kadary Richmond contributed a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. The Red Storm’s 14 consecutive successful field goals in the second half underscored their offensive dominance. This triumph not only secured their first Big East Tournament crown since 2000 but also earned them an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Under the guidance of Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, St. John’s is poised for a deep run in the national tournament.
Looking Ahead: NCAA Tournament Implications
With these conference championships, Duke, Houston, and St. John’s have solidified their positions as formidable teams heading into the NCAA Tournament. Duke’s resilience without Flagg, Houston’s balanced gameplay, and St. John’s historic victory all contribute to an intriguing and competitive national tournament. As the field narrows, these teams will be among the favorites to advance deep into the tournament, with each bringing unique strengths and narratives to the table.
