Duke proves 'toughness,' tops Louisville to win ACC title - ESPN

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — No Cooper Flagg, no problem for No. 1 Duke, which claimed the ACC tournament championship with a 73-62 win over Louisville on Saturday night.

Flagg's first-half ankle injury in the Blue Devils' tournament opener against Georgia Tech became the biggest storyline surrounding the projected NCAA tournament 1-seed, but the Blue Devils' depth of talent provided the bigger narrative thrust. Duke erased a five-point halftime deficit Saturday night, dominating on defense in the second half to snap Louisville's 11-game winning streak.

«It says a lot about our toughness as a team,» center Khaman Maluach said. «It says a lot about the other guys who stepped up in big moments.»

As coach Jon Scheyer accepted the tournament championship trophy, Flagg stood toward the back of the stage, holding an «ACC champions» foam placard. He earned cheers from the raucous crowd as he climbed the ladder to cut down his share of the net. But beyond that, Flagg's total contribution to Duke's three wins in Charlotte was two points in 15 minutes of action.

That should change as Duke turns its attention to the NCAA tournament.

Scheyer had been blunt in acknowledging there was little point in pushing Flagg back onto the court for the ACC tournament after «a good sprain» of his ankle in Thursday's win over Georgia Tech. X-rays came back negative, and Scheyer said he saw real progress in Flagg's recovery throughout the weekend. Flagg didn't walk with a noticeable limp in the postgame celebrations, but he didn't go through any pregame warmups Saturday either.

Duke confirmed to the NCAA selection committee that Flagg's injury wasn't serious, and he is fully expected to play, easing any concerns about the Blue Devils' seeding in the NCAA