CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Interstat) — A spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament championship game is on the line Saturday when Duke faces Virginia in a highly anticipated semifinal clash at Spectrum Center.

The top-seeded Blue Devils (31-2), the tournament’s reigning champion and the nation’s top-ranked team for much of the season, enter as an 8.5-point favorite. The fourth-seeded Cavaliers (29-4) seek redemption after Duke handed them their most lopsided loss of the season just two weeks ago, a 77-51 rout in Durham.

That Feb. 28 defeat is a focal point for Virginia, which has won four straight since, including an 84-62 quarterfinal victory over Miami on Friday. The Cavaliers’ defense, ranked among the nation’s best, will be tested by Duke’s potent offense, which averages over 80 points per game.

The matchup features two of the conference’s most impactful players. Duke is led by sophomore forward Cameron Boozer, a national Player of the Year candidate. Boozer, who scored 18 points in the earlier meeting, is averaging 24.3 points over his last three games, including 24 in Friday’s win over Clemson.

Virginia’s hopes may hinge on the rim protection and recent offensive surge of center Ugonna Onyenso. After being held to two points in the loss at Duke, Onyenso has been dominant, blocking 15 shots over the last four games while averaging 10.8 points. He posted 17 points and four blocks in Friday’s win.

Duke has won 12 consecutive games since its last loss at North Carolina on Feb. 7. Virginia’s only defeats since January came against the Blue Devils and Tar Heels.

The winner will advance to Sunday’s ACC championship game against either North Carolina or Clemson. The over/under for Saturday’s contest is 135.5 points.

Tipoff is scheduled for approximately 7 p.m. EDT.