How did the SEC perform against the ACC in the recent challenge?

The SEC dominated the ACC-SEC Challenge, winning 13 out of the 16 games played.

Which ACC teams exceeded or failed to meet expectations?

While North Carolina and Louisville are noted, many ACC teams like Duke, NC State, and Notre Dame have not met preseason expectations.

Who are some standout players mentioned in the article?

Audi Crooks of Iowa State is highlighted for her scoring, and Maryland's team showed resilience in a comeback win.

Home / Sports / SEC Dominates ACC in Basketball Showdown

SEC Dominates ACC in Basketball Showdown

8 Dec, 2025

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Summary

SEC secured 13 out of 16 games in the ACC-SEC Challenge.
ACC teams struggled, with several losing to non-Power 4 opponents.
Individual players like Audi Crooks and Maryland's team showed resilience.

SEC Dominates ACC in Basketball Showdown

The recent ACC-SEC Challenge saw the SEC emerge victorious, claiming 13 of the 16 matchups. This performance underscores the SEC's depth, with multiple teams positioned as national contenders and first-weekend hosting candidates. In contrast, several ACC teams have underperformed preseason expectations, with notable losses to less-ranked opponents, signaling a challenging period for the conference.

Individual bright spots and resilience were evident despite the ACC's collective struggles. Iowa State's Audi Crooks continues to impress with exceptional scoring averages and efficiency. Furthermore, Maryland displayed remarkable grit with a dramatic overtime comeback victory against Minnesota, demonstrating the team's ability to perform under pressure, even with key players sidelined.

While the ACC grapples with these results, questions arise about its long-term financial competitiveness. However, the conference's recent history, including multiple Sweet 16 appearances and WNBA draft picks, suggests this downturn might be a temporary setback rather than a sustained decline.