Duke and Virginia to Meet for ACC Championship

Blue Devils look to win title without key starters Caleb Foster and Pat Ngongba

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:18pm

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Duke and Virginia, the top two teams in the ACC regular season, will meet for the ACC Championship on Saturday in Charlotte. Duke reached the finals after surviving Florida State, 80-79, and then defeating Clemson, 71-63. Virginia defeated NC State, 81-74, and Miami, 84-62, to advance. Duke handled Virginia in the regular season, winning 77-51, but will be without point guard Caleb Foster and center Pat Ngongba, who are key to the team's success.

Why it matters

This matchup features the top two teams in the ACC and will determine the conference champion. Duke's ability to win without two of its starters will be tested, as Foster and Ngongba are crucial to the team's success on both ends of the floor.

The details

Duke is without point guard Caleb Foster and center Pat Ngongba, both of whom are important contributors. Foster is a steadying influence on the team, especially on defense, while Ngongba is a smart big man who excels at passing and defense. In their absence, players like Cayden Boozer and Isaiah Evans will need to step up. Virginia's Ugonna Onyenso has also emerged as a difference-maker, with 12 blocks in the tournament so far.

  • The ACC Championship game will be played on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 8:30 PM in Charlotte, North Carolina.
  • Duke defeated Florida State, 80-79, and Clemson, 71-63, to reach the finals.
  • Virginia defeated NC State, 81-74, and Miami, 84-62, to reach the finals.

The players

Caleb Foster

Duke's starting point guard, who is a key contributor on both offense and defense.

Pat Ngongba

Duke's starting center, who is a smart big man with strong passing and defensive abilities.

Ugonna Onyenso

Virginia's center, who has emerged as a difference-maker in the tournament with 12 blocks so far.

Cayden Boozer

Duke player who scored a career-high 16 points in the team's win over Clemson.

Isaiah Evans

Duke player who will need to provide more offensive production if the team is to win the championship without Foster and Ngongba.

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What’s next

The winner of the ACC Championship game will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, which begins in a few days.

The takeaway

Duke's ability to win the ACC Championship without two of its key starters will be a true test of the team's depth and resilience. If they can pull off the victory, it will be a remarkable accomplishment and bode well for their chances in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.