Top-Ranked Duke Dominates NC State to Secure Outright ACC Championship
Raleigh, Tuesday, 3 March 2026.
Led by freshman Cameron Boozer’s 26 points, No. 1 Duke overwhelmed NC State 93-64 Monday, shooting 55.2 percent to definitively claim the outright ACC regular-season title.
Blue Devils Secure Outright Title in Raleigh
The Duke Blue Devils, currently ranked No. 1 in the nation, cemented their status as the premier team in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) on Monday night, March 2, 2026 [1][2]. By delivering a commanding 29 29-point victory over North Carolina State at the Lenovo Center, Duke improved its overall record to 28-2 and its conference standing to 16-1 [2][4]. This victory guaranteed the program the outright ACC regular-season championship, building upon the share of the title they had secured just days earlier [1][6]. The win marked a continuation of dominant form for head coach Jon Scheyer’s squad, who have now held the top spot in the Associated Press poll for two consecutive weeks [2].
Boozer and Sarr Power Offensive Clinic
Freshman standout Cameron Boozer was the catalyst for the Blue Devils’ efficient offensive display. Boozer tallied 26 points on 8-of-10 shooting from the field and converted 9-of-11 attempts from the free-throw line [1][5]. His physical presence was evident, as he grabbed nine rebounds and endured physical play that left visible scratches on his shoulder [1][4]. Supporting Boozer was Dame Sarr, who scored 14 of his 16 points in the first half, helping Duke establish a significant 47-30 lead by halftime [1][5]. The team’s offensive synergy was highlighted by a 9-0 run late in the first half, fueled by corner 3-pointers from Sarr and Nikolas Khamenia [4].
Statistical Dominance and Defensive Pressure
Duke’s statistical superiority was evident across the board. The team shot 55.2% from the field compared to NC State’s 35.4% [1][5]. This efficiency extended beyond the arc, where the Blue Devils connected on 11 of 28 three-pointers (39.3%) [5]. Furthermore, Duke effectively exploited the interior, outscoring the Wolfpack 42 to 28 in the paint [5]. This balanced attack overwhelmed an NC State team that has now lost five of its last six games [2]. For the Wolfpack, Darrion Williams was the lone bright spot, leading his team with 17 points in the loss [2][5].
Championship Mentality Heading into March
The victory in Raleigh follows a decisive 77-51 win over No. 11 Virginia on Saturday, February 28, which had initially clinched the No. 1 seed for the upcoming conference tournament [3][6]. Despite securing a share of the title over the weekend, Coach Scheyer emphasized the team’s desire for sole possession, stating, “We don’t like shares” [6]. Duke has now won consecutive ACC regular-season titles and boasts a 10-2 record against ranked opponents this season [2][6].
Regular Season Finale and Tournament Outlook
Looking ahead, the Blue Devils will conclude their regular season on Saturday, March 7, against their arch-rivals, the 17th-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels [1][2]. This matchup offers Duke a chance to avenge their only conference loss of the season [1]. Following the regular season finale, the ACC Tournament is scheduled to begin on March 10 in Charlotte [2]. As the top seed, Duke has earned a double-bye and will not play until the quarterfinals on March 12, while NC State is projected to play on March 11 [2].