Duke rallied to overtake Louisville for the ACC Tournament championship in Charlotte. Down two key players, Duke used a strong defensive effort to turn a 5-point deficit into a 73-62 win. Kon Knueppel (18 points, 8 rebounds) was the tourney MVP.
He joined Maluach (Duke), Edwards, Hepburn (Louisville), Stojakovic (Stanford) on the all-tournament first team. Second team: Hunter, Schieffelin (Clemson), Proctor (Duke), Powell (Ga. Tech), Lubin (UNC). Flagg and Brown were injured in Duke’s first game Thursday and did not return.
The semis were more interesting as Louisville overcame Clemson 76-73 and Duke survived North Carolina’s furious rally 74-71 for the first three-game sweep of the rival since 2001-2002. The two games had officiating disputes, a costly lane violation and exciting plays.
J.B.
