No.2 Virginia Cavaliers will be facing No.1 Duke Blue Devils in a matchup that concludes the 2026 ACC Tournament at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. This is a rematch of a regular-season beatdown that left many questions about UVA’s ceiling.
However, after two dominant performances in the tournament, the questions are beginning to fade. Duke is entering this game as the defending ACC champion and the top-ranked team. However, with two of their starters unavailable, will they have enough firepower to retain their title? Let’s find out.
Prediction
The last time the two teams met in the regular season, Duke dominated the game to win 77-51 on February 28. Virginia could only shoot 29.1% from the field that night, which counts both as their season low and a performance far below their capabilities. UVA are a much better team on paper, later putting a dominant performance against Miami on Friday and winning by 22-points with five players in double figures. They shot 55% from the field in this matchup. Thjis De Ridder and Ugonna Onyenso have been elite this week, exuberating confidence for coach Ryan Odom and his belief in his team.
The only factor to look out for in this matchup is Duke’s injury situation. The Blue Devils will be without Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba II, two of their leading scorers, for this matchup. However, they will lean heavily on Cameron Boozer, who finished with 24 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists in the semifinal win over Clemson. Cayden Boozer set a new career high with 16 points. Though Virginia has the talent and momentum to keep this a close matchup, Duke’s ceiling with Cameron Boozer in flow is simply too high.
ESPN’s matchup predictor estimates an 82.8% chance for Duke to win this game and retain their ACC championship title.
Virginia vs. Duke Men’s Basketball Projected Starting Lineups
Duke Blue Devils
- Cayden Boozer
- Isaiah Evans
- Dame Sarr
- Cameron Boozer
- Maliq Brown
Virginia Cavaliers
- Dallin Hall
- Malik Thomas
- Sam Lewis
- Thjis De Ridder
- Johann Grunloh
Injury Report
Duke enters this game severely shorthanded and without their starting point guard, Caleb Foster. Foster suffered a fracture in his right foot in the regular season finale against UNC and recently underwent surgery. He has been listed as out indefinitely. Starting center Patrick Ngongba II is also unavailable for Duke due to foot soreness. However, Duke is prioritizing his return ahead of the NCAA Tournament.
By contrast, Virginia comes in with a clean bill of health. All five starters are ready for this matchup in Charlotte and are expected to be fully available for Saturday night.
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