Duke's Boozer Faces Virginia in ACC Final

0:00On March 14, Duke's freshman star, Cameron Booser, has dominated college basketball this season as the top player overall. The number one seeded Blue Devils advanced to the ACC Tournament Championship with a 73-61 win over 5th seed Clemson in the Y semi-finals. Now they face number two seed, Virginia, who roll past 3rd seed Miami 84-62. Duke has pushed through without two key starters, junior guard Caleb Foster and sophomore center Patrick Nongba, both sideline by foot injuries. After a close call in the quarterfinals against Florida State, the team looks sharp against Clemson under coach John Shire, who is chasing a third, ACC title in four years. Fans and analysts are buzzing about Booser's impact amid the injuries. In the regular season clash at Cameron Indoor, Duke crushed Virginia 77-51, but the Cavaliers' tough front court held Booser to. Just 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists on poor 3-9 shooting well below his usual fireworks.

1:06Through the tournament's first two games, Booser is averaging 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, proving. Why he's the frontrunner for national player of the year. Yet Virginia ranks top 10 nationally in two-point defense and offensive rebounding, with big men like Ugano Nienso and Johan Grunlo leading the ACC in box. That physical style could test Duke's depleted lineup in the final, but if Booser breaks through, the blue devil seemed poised to cap off another. Strong tournament run.