ACC Title Game Preview: #13 Louisville Faces #1 Duke Without Star Flagg
The #1 Duke Blue Devils (30-3) face the #13 Louisville Cardinals (27-6) in the ACC Tournament Championship game without star freshman Cooper Flagg. Duke enters as 6.5-point favorites, with the over/under total rising significantly from 143.3 to 147.5.
Basketball player celebrates after scoring
Game Details:
- Date: March 15, 2025
- Time: 8:30pm ET
- Location: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
- TV: ESPN
Key Analysis:
Louisville enters on an impressive 11-game winning streak, having won 21 of their last 22 games. They feature:
- 27th most efficient offense nationally
- Top-25 defense (95.6 points allowed per 100 possessions)
- Senior guard Chucky Hepburn leading with 16.4 points, 5.9 assists, and 2.4 steals per game
- J'Vonne Hadley averaging 12.1 points and 7.3 rebounds
Duke maintains strength despite Flagg's absence:
- #1 in KenPom overall ratings
- 2nd most efficient offense (128.1 points per 100 possessions)
- 4th ranked defense (90.0 points allowed)
- Freshman Kon Knueppel stepping up with 28 points in quarterfinals
Betting Analysis:
- Louisville is 6-1 in ACC games decided by 6 points or fewer
- Cardinals have covered in 9 of last 11 games as underdogs
- 9-2 ATS during current hot streak
- Total has moved significantly from 143.5 to 147.5
Prediction: Louisville +6.5 (-110)
The Cardinals' momentum, combined with Duke's missing pieces and recent close call against North Carolina, suggests a competitive championship game. Louisville's proven ability in close games and strong performance as underdogs makes them a valuable bet to keep this within the spread, with potential for an outright upset.
Note: Odds current as of March 15 at major sportsbooks. Please gamble responsibly and check local regulations.