Recap: Duke wins their first ACC Tournament since 2013 under head coach Kara Lawson.

Duke Wins First ACC Tournament Since 2013 Under Head Coach Kara Lawson

In an exhilarating and historic conclusion to the 2025 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Women’s Basketball Tournament, the Duke Blue Devils secured their first tournament championship in over a decade, defeating the formidable opponents in an action-packed final that demonstrated grit, resilience, and sheer talent. The 2025 victory is especially significant as it marks the first ACC Tournament title under the leadership of head coach Kara Lawson. This triumph not only reflects Lawson’s coaching prowess but also serves as a testament to the growth and transformation of the Duke women’s basketball program since her arrival in 2020.

Setting the Stage: A New Era Under Kara Lawson

When Kara Lawson was hired as the head coach of Duke Women’s Basketball in 2020, it marked the beginning of a new era. Lawson, a former star player at Tennessee and a seasoned professional player in the WNBA, brought an undeniable wealth of knowledge and experience to the Blue Devils program. She also had a strong track record as an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics, where she honed her skills in developing players and strategy at the highest level.

At the time of her hiring, Duke’s women’s basketball program was in a period of transition. While the team had a storied history in the ACC, they had not won an ACC Tournament title since 2010 and had struggled in the postseason in recent years. Lawson’s arrival promised a shift in the program’s trajectory, and she made it clear that her goal was to return Duke to its elite status in women’s college basketball.

Her first few seasons were about laying the foundation. Under her leadership, the Blue Devils began to focus on improving their defense, discipline, and consistency. By 2025, Lawson had solidified a deep, dynamic roster that was capable of competing with the best teams in the country. Their journey to the 2025 ACC Tournament championship is a reflection of her hard work, the development of her players, and her ability to navigate the challenges of a competitive conference.

Road to the ACC Championship

The path to the 2025 ACC Tournament title was not an easy one for Duke. The tournament, which was held in Greensboro, North Carolina, saw numerous teams vying for supremacy in a conference known for its high-level competition. With top-ranked teams like Louisville, NC State, and Syracuse, the Blue Devils had to prove themselves in a series of tough matchups.

Quarterfinals: Duke vs. Virginia Tech

Duke entered the tournament as one of the top seeds and took on Virginia Tech in the quarterfinals. The game was a display of Duke’s resilience, as they managed to hold off a late surge from the Hokies. Behind strong performances from their star players, particularly sophomore forward Angel Scott, Duke emerged victorious with a 75-68 win. Scott’s 20 points and 12 rebounds were crucial in the team’s success, showcasing her versatility and importance to the squad. This win set the stage for the rest of Duke’s tournament run.

Semifinals: Duke vs. NC State

In the semifinals, the Blue Devils faced a formidable NC State team that had dominated the conference throughout the season. NC State’s defense had been one of the best in the league, and their offense was explosive. However, Duke’s defense, which had been a point of emphasis all season, proved to be the difference. Duke’s ability to limit NC State’s offensive production and disrupt their rhythm was key to the 70-62 victory. Freshman guard Sofia Johnson, who had been playing well throughout the tournament, stepped up with 15 points, including several key shots in the closing minutes. The win was a testament to Duke’s grit and Lawson’s tactical brilliance in preparing her team for such a challenging opponent.

Finals: Duke vs. Louisville

The stage was set for the final – Duke versus Louisville, two of the premier programs in the ACC. Louisville, led by their star senior guard, Sydney Johnson, had been a dominant force in the conference, making the final an intriguing clash of styles. While Louisville relied on a high-paced offense, Duke’s strength lay in its defensive discipline and balanced scoring attack.

The first half of the game was a back-and-forth affair. Louisville came out hot, capitalizing on a quick tempo and hitting some early three-pointers. However, Duke remained calm under pressure and closed the gap with a combination of fast breaks and sharp shooting. By halftime, the Blue Devils trailed by just two points, 40-38.

The second half, however, was where Duke’s defense truly shined. They made key adjustments that shut down Louisville’s fast break and forced them into difficult shots. The Blue Devils’ ability to execute in crucial moments was evident, as they took control of the game in the final minutes. With under two minutes left and the game tied at 72, Duke’s senior guard Maya Thompson, who had been a steady presence throughout the tournament, drained a three-pointer to give the Blue Devils a three-point lead. On the ensuing possession, Duke’s defense stifled Louisville’s offense, forcing a contested shot that missed. With time running out, Duke sealed the game with free throws, securing a 79-75 victory and their first ACC Tournament title since 2013.

Key Performers in the Championship

While the entire team played an integral role in Duke’s championship run, several players stood out during the tournament. Maya Thompson, a senior guard, was named the ACC Tournament MVP for her leadership, poise, and clutch performances throughout the games. Thompson’s ability to control the tempo of the game and hit key shots when needed made her a key figure in Duke’s success.

Sophomore Angel Scott was another standout player. Her ability to score both inside and from the perimeter, combined with her rebounding, was vital to Duke’s success. Scott’s 20 points and 12 rebounds in the quarterfinals were just a preview of her immense potential. By the time the final buzzer sounded, she had solidified herself as one of the rising stars in women’s college basketball.

Freshman Sofia Johnson, who had been steadily improving throughout the season, emerged as one of Duke’s most reliable players in the tournament. Her ability to knock down shots under pressure and contribute defensively gave Duke the depth they needed to make a championship run.

Kara Lawson’s Impact

Head coach Kara Lawson’s impact on the team cannot be overstated. Her tactical brilliance, leadership, and ability to motivate her players were key factors in Duke’s victory. Lawson’s experience in both the WNBA and as an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics translated well into her coaching style at Duke. Her emphasis on team chemistry, defense, and adaptability in tight situations was evident in every game.

Lawson’s ability to adjust to different opponents was also critical. Her game plans for both NC State and Louisville showcased her deep understanding of basketball strategy. She was able to neutralize the strengths of both teams by implementing defensive schemes that disrupted their offensive flow. In the championship game, her decision to slow down the tempo and make Louisville play at Duke’s pace proved to be a game-changer.

The Significance of the Victory

Duke’s 2025 ACC Tournament title is not just a win on the scoreboard; it represents a significant moment in the history of the program. For a team that had not won the ACC Tournament since 2013, this victory reaffirms Duke’s status as one of the elite programs in women’s college basketball. The win also symbolizes the culmination of Kara Lawson’s vision for the team, a vision that began with her hire in 2020 and has now come to fruition.

This victory also marks a turning point for the Blue Devils, showing that they are capable of competing with the best in the country and can now be counted among the top-tier programs in women’s basketball. The championship not only validates Lawson’s coaching but also boosts the program’s recruiting efforts, as future players will see that Duke is once again a place where championships are within reach.

Looking Ahead

With the 2025 ACC Tournament title in hand, the Duke Blue Devils are positioned for continued success in the NCAA Tournament. Their performance in the ACC Tournament has solidified their place as one of the favorites for the national title, and the confidence gained from this victory will serve them well as they enter the NCAA Tournament.

For Kara Lawson, the 2025 ACC Tournament championship is just the beginning. Her vision for the program is clear, and with the foundation she has built, the future looks incredibly bright for Duke Women’s Basketball. As the Blue Devils celebrate their hard-earned championship, the sky is the limit for this talented and determined team.