In a thrilling ACC matchup on February 8, 2025, the Clemson Tigers ended the No. 2 Duke Blue Devils’ 16-game winning streak with a 77-71 victory at Littlejohn Coliseum. This win propelled Clemson to a 19-5 overall record and 11-2 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, bringing them closer to first-place Duke, who now stands at 20-3 and 12-1 in the ACC.
Clemson’s Viktor Lakhin led all scorers with 22 points, while Chase Hunter made critical plays down the stretch, including a go-ahead basket in the final minute and four free throws in the last 15 seconds, finishing with 14 points.
Duke’s Tyrese Proctor scored a season-high 23 points, and Cooper Flagg added 18 points. Despite a late surge by Flagg, who scored 14 of the Blue Devils’ final 17 points, Duke struggled with shooting, missing 20 of their 29 shots in the second half. A critical turnover by Flagg in the final moments allowed Clemson to secure the win.
The game was also marked by the return of legendary broadcaster Dick Vitale to the commentary booth after battling multiple forms of cancer. Vitale, who had not called a men’s college basketball game since April 2023, received a standing ovation from the crowd. He expressed his joy at returning to the sport, stating, “This is like my Super Bowl, being able to be sitting courtside and do a game.”
This victory not only ended Duke’s winning streak but also served as a significant statement for Clemson’s program, showcasing their resilience and ability to compete at the highest level.