Dick Vitale Gets Emotional, Shares Heartfelt Message After Duke’s ACC Title Victory

Duke secured a 73-62 victory over Louisville to capture their 23rd ACC title—marking the most in conference history—on Saturday night, solidifying their case for a top seed in the NCAA tournament.

The Blue Devils won their last two ACC tournament games without star Cooper Flagg, who injured his left ankle on Thursday but could be ready for a potential NCAA title run. Saturday’s win was particularly special for Duke, as they claimed both the regular-season ACC title and the conference tournament championship in the same season for the first time since 2006.

However, it was also a deeply meaningful night for long-time ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale, who called the game. Vitale was brought to tears by the conclusion of the ACC broadcast and shared an emotional message reflecting on his battle with cancer.

“This is my last game this year, and I pray that I can be back next year, maybe even better, and that my doctor will help me with my voice,” Vitale said. “It’s been a miracle to be here with you all. You have meant so much to me. It’s been an incredible journey. A tough three years… Cancer sucks.”

Vitale has fought four different types of cancer in the past four years, including vocal cord cancer. The 85-year-old revealed last December that he was cancer-free and cleared to return to calling basketball games, with this weekend’s Duke-Louisville game being his final one for the season—but not necessarily the end of his storied broadcasting career.