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Duke-Notre Dame Set for ACC Tournament Championship Game

By Chris Brown

Mar 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) reacts after hitting a three-point shot against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) reacts after hitting a three-point shot against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Duke Blue Devils will take on Notre Dame tonight in Brooklyn, NY to compete for the 2017 ACC Tournament championship.

Duke will face off against Notre Dame for the second time this season with the ACC championship on the line. The Blue Devils are on a hot streak winning three games in three days against Clemson, Louisville, and UNC, and will look to continue their excellent play tonight becoming the first program without a double-bye to win the title.

Next: Duke Storms Back to Beat UNC, Advance to Title Game

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Earlier this season, the Blue Devils earned a great 84-74 win over Notre Dame on the road in South Bend. Duke was led by great performances from Grayson Allen (21 pts), Jayson Tatum (19 pts, 14 rebs), Luke Kennard (16 pts), and Matt Jones (16 pts). It was one of their best games of the regular season beating a Top 25 opponent at their arena after their struggles on the road to start ACC play. Additionally, Duke had Jeff Capel as the acting head coach when Mike Krzyzewski was still out recovering from surgery.

This will not be an easy game for the Blue Devils, who will need to excel on defense to limit a very efficient ND offense. The Fighting Irish are coming off a 77-73 win over Florida State in the other ACC semifinal game. Notre Dame shot 47.5% from the field and 48.1% from three against one of the top defensive teams in the conference.

Duke will need to limit the Irish’s three-point shooting and All-ACC First Team forward Bonzie Colson if they want a shot at winning the ACC title. The game will be won by which defense can stop the other team from going off on the three point line and who’s making the most shots.

Next: Can Duke Win the National Title This Year?

While Notre Dame looking to avenge their January loss, the Blue Devils will also be looking to overcome recent troubles against the Irish. Notre Dame has ousted the Blue Devils from the ACC Tournament the last two seasons. Duke will need another great performance if they want to win the conference championship today.

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