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ACC Tournament: Duke Favored, March Madness Bids Up for Grabs

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Men’s Basketball Tournament is in full swing in Charlotte, North Carolina, promising a week of intense competition as teams battle for the coveted automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. With only eleven teams remaining after the initial play-in games, the stakes are incredibly high, and the pressure is mounting. The tournament represents a crucial opportunity for several teams whose hopes of reaching March Madness hang in the balance, as projections suggest that the ACC may not receive many at-large bids this year.

As the tournament unfolds, Duke University emerges as the clear favorite to capture the conference crown. The Blue Devils, spearheaded by phenom Cooper Flagg, are not only considered a strong contender for the ACC championship but are also viewed as a legitimate threat to win the national championship. Flagg’s impact on the team has been transformative, providing Duke with a combination of exceptional talent, leadership, and a winning mentality.

However, the path to the championship won’t be easy for Duke. Several other teams in the conference possess the potential to challenge the Blue Devils and potentially pull off an upset. Louisville and Clemson, in particular, are seen as the most likely contenders to dethrone Duke. Both teams boast experienced players, solid coaching, and the ability to execute game plans effectively. Their matchups against Duke could prove to be pivotal moments in the tournament.

The beauty of college basketball lies in its unpredictability, and the ACC Tournament is no exception. While Duke, Louisville, and Clemson may be the frontrunners, any team can catch fire and embark on a Cinderella run to the Big Dance. Last season, NC State defied expectations by stringing together a series of improbable victories to win the tournament and secure an automatic bid. This year, several teams are hoping to replicate that magic and shock the college basketball world. Teams like North Carolina, Wake Forest, and Syracuse, despite not being heavily favored, possess the talent and coaching necessary to make a deep run in the tournament. A hot streak from a key player, a favorable matchup, or a stroke of luck could be all it takes to propel a team to unexpected heights.

For fans eager to follow all the action, the ACC Tournament is readily accessible across various television networks and streaming platforms. The initial round games were exclusively broadcast on the ACC Network. As the tournament progresses, coverage shifts to ESPN and its sister channels, including ESPN2 and ESPNU. The first two games of the second round are airing on ESPN, while the latter two games of the second round will be split between ESPN2 and ESPNU. The quarterfinal and semifinal matchups will be featured on either ESPN or ESPN2, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the most critical stages of the tournament. The championship game, the culmination of the weeklong competition, is scheduled to air on ESPN, providing a national audience with the opportunity to witness the crowning of the ACC champion.

Beyond traditional television broadcasts, streaming options are also available, allowing fans to watch the games on their computers, tablets, or mobile devices. Fubo is offering a free trial to new subscribers, providing a convenient way to stream the entire ACC Tournament. This offers an ideal solution for cord-cutters and fans who prefer to watch games on the go.

ACC Tournament Schedule and Broadcast Details (All Times Eastern):

Tuesday, March 12 – First Round

• Game 1: No. 12 Notre Dame 55, No. 13 Pittsburgh 54
• Game 2: No. 15 California 82, No. 10 Virginia Tech 73
• Game 3: No. 14 Syracuse 66, No. 11 Florida State 62

Wednesday, March 13 – Second Round

• Game 4: No. 8 Georgia Tech vs. No. 9 Virginia, Noon | ESPN
• Game 5: No. 5 North Carolina vs. No. 12 Notre Dame, 2:30 p.m. | ESPN
• Game 6: No. 7 Stanford vs. No. 15 California, 7 p.m. | ESPN2 or ESPNU
• Game 7: No. 6 Southern Methodist vs. No. 14 Syracuse, 9:30 p.m. | ESPN2 or ESPNU

Thursday, March 14 – Quarterfinals

• Game 8: No. 1 Duke vs. Game 4 winner, Noon | ESPN or ESPN2
• Game 9: No. 4 Wake Forest vs. Game 5 winner, 2:30 p.m. | ESPN or ESPN2
• Game 10: No. 2 Louisville vs. Game 6 winner, 7 p.m. | ESPN or ESPN2
• Game 11: No. 3 Clemson vs. Game 7 winner, 9:30 p.m. | ESPN or ESPN2

Friday, March 15 – Semifinals

• Game 12: Game 8 winner vs. Game 9 winner, 7 p.m. | ESPN or ESPN2
• Game 13: Game 10 winner vs. Game 11 winner, 9:30 p.m. | ESPN or ESPN2

Saturday, March 16 – Championship

• Game 14: Game 12 winner vs. Game 13 winner, 8:30 p.m. | ESPN

The ACC Tournament is more than just a series of basketball games; it’s a microcosm of the college basketball season, packed with drama, excitement, and the constant possibility of the unexpected. With NCAA Tournament implications on the line and several teams vying for the automatic bid, the tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle for fans across the country. Whether you’re a die-hard ACC follower or simply a college basketball enthusiast, the ACC Tournament is an event you won’t want to miss.

Note: The broadcast schedule is subject to change, so be sure to check your local listings for the most up-to-date information.