Duke Beats Florida State To Win The Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament Title In Charlotte
Duke is bringing a trophy back to the Bull City after defeating Florida State in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament title game at the Spectrum Center that is home to the Charlotte Hornets of the NBA.
Zion Williamson proved he's back and healthy with a dominating three-game show at the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament. And that has fifth-ranked Duke celebrating yet another championship in its already-record haul. “according to http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211795899&DB_OEM_ID=4200
Williamson had 21 points to help the Blue Devils beat No. 12 Florida State 73-63 on Saturday night in the championship game, giving Duke its 21st tournament title and sending the Blue Devils charging into the NCAA tournament. “according to http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211795899&DB_OEM_ID=4200
Williamson was named the tournament's most valuable player, becoming only the sixth freshman to win the award and the first in a dozen years. “according to http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211795899&DB_OEM_ID=4200
He averaged 27 points and 10 rebounds while making 33 of 43 shots in the three games -- his first since suffering a knee sprain that had sidelined him for nearly six full games. “according to http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211795899&DB_OEM_ID=4200
"For people who said I shouldn't return,'' Williamson said during the trophy presentation, "I couldn't abandon my brothers and coaches like that.'' “according to http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211795899&DB_OEM_ID=4200
Williamson had broken into a wide grin with about 20 seconds left and Duke merely waiting on the horn to celebrate, then jumped into the air with teammates at the bench. That big smile flashed again as he cut down a strand of the net and turned back toward his teammates from the ladder above. “according to http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211795899&DB_OEM_ID=4200
These moments -- not the high-flying dunks or the jaw-dropping baseball-style bounce pass he threw ahead on the break for a second-half score -- were the reason he came back. “according to http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211795899&DB_OEM_ID=4200
RJ Barrett added 17 points and nine rebounds and the Blue Devils (29-5) took control after halftime, while point guard Tre Jones had his own strong outing with 18 points and six assists -- all part of Duke's closing act that showed the Blue Devils are ready for what's ahead. “according to http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211795899&DB_OEM_ID=4200
Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski won his record 15th ACC tournament championship with a team led by potential one-and-done NBA talents. “according to http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211795899&DB_OEM_ID=4200
"I told them last night: 'We've won a lot of championships but I haven't won one with you,''' Krzyzewski said during the trophy presentation. "So to be in their moment is the very best thing.'' “according to http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211795899&DB_OEM_ID=4200
For Williamson, everything started with a quarterfinal win against Syracuse, with Williamson going for 29 points on 13-for-13 shooting in his first game back. Then came an even bigger performance in the semifinals: 31 points, 11 rebounds and the final-minute tip-in that ultimately helped Duke hold off third-ranked North Carolina in a rivalry classic. “according to http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211795899&DB_OEM_ID=4200
He didn't need to do as much this time, with Duke putting four players in double figures and shooting 58 percent after the break to a 36-all score into a 14-point lead by midway through the half. “according to http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211795899&DB_OEM_ID=4200
Mfiondu Kabengele scored 14 points for the Seminoles (27-7). They upset No. 2 Virginia in Friday's semifinals but couldn't recover after falling behind big, getting no closer than five again. “according to http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211795899&DB_OEM_ID=4200
Duke now will await selection Sunday to see what seed and region they will be in for the NCAA Tournament.