In a thrilling and high-stakes semifinal of the ACC Tournament, No. 1 Duke demonstrated why they are a team to be feared, holding off a furious rally from North Carolina to secure a hard-fought 74-71 victory. The win not only earned the Blue Devils a spot in the ACC Championship Game, but it also came with added significance, as the team had to prevail without one of their key players, Jalen Flagg, who was sidelined due to injury.

This showdown between two of college basketball’s most storied programs lived up to the hype, with both teams showcasing the intensity, skill, and drama that make the rivalry between Duke and North Carolina so legendary. Despite playing without Flagg, Duke proved resilient, showing depth, poise, and execution under pressure. Meanwhile, North Carolina’s second-half surge made it a nail-biting finish, further elevating the stakes in what could be a precursor to a larger postseason battle between the two teams.

Let’s break down the game, looking at the key moments, individual performances, and strategic decisions that shaped the outcome of this dramatic contest.

Pre-Game Expectations: A Battle for the Ages

As the No. 1 seed in the ACC Tournament, Duke entered the game with a target on their back. The Blue Devils had been dominant throughout the regular season, led by head coach Mike Krzyzewski, who had guided the team to another stellar campaign. With Jalen Flagg, a key contributor both offensively and defensively, on the roster, Duke was widely considered to be one of the most complete teams in college basketball. However, the Blue Devils had to face the challenge of playing without Flagg, who was sidelined with an injury.

On the other hand, North Carolina—while not as highly ranked as Duke—was always a dangerous opponent. The Tar Heels, under head coach Hubert Davis, had been playing with a chip on their shoulder all season, striving to prove themselves in the ultra-competitive ACC. They had a rich basketball tradition, and their veteran leadership, particularly from stars like Armando Bacot and Caleb Love, made them a formidable team capable of upsetting any opponent on any given night.

With both teams playing in the ACC semifinals, there was no doubt that this matchup would be intense. Duke’s talent and depth were clear, but the absence of Flagg loomed large. North Carolina, meanwhile, needed to prove they could compete with the conference’s top team in a high-pressure game.

First Half: Duke’s Early Dominance

The game began with a sense of urgency, as both teams knew how important it was to secure a spot in the championship game. Duke came out with energy, taking control early. Despite not having Flagg, the Blue Devils’ overall talent and experience allowed them to maintain offensive fluidity. Paolo Banchero, Duke’s star forward, was a force early in the game, using his size, strength, and scoring ability to carve up North Carolina’s defense. Banchero’s inside presence was critical for Duke, as he helped them establish an early lead.

Another important factor for Duke was their defense. Even without Flagg, the Blue Devils’ defense was aggressive and relentless, with players like Mark Williams and Wendell Moore Jr. stepping up to lock down key players from North Carolina. Williams, in particular, was a dominant force in the paint, blocking shots and altering North Carolina’s offensive flow. Moore was excellent at getting into passing lanes and disrupting the Tar Heels’ offensive rhythm.

While North Carolina kept it competitive, Duke’s offensive balance was evident, and they managed to build a 14-point lead in the first half. Jeremy Roach and Trevor Keels, two of Duke’s most consistent performers, were able to take advantage of the opportunities presented by North Carolina’s defense, scoring efficiently and helping Duke push the lead to double digits.

However, North Carolina was never far out of the game. Even though they struggled with turnovers and missed opportunities in the first half, their offensive firepower was always a threat. Bacot, who had been dominant on the boards all season, provided a steady presence in the paint for the Tar Heels. His physicality helped North Carolina stay in the game, and Caleb Love’s perimeter shooting kept the Blue Devils from running away with the contest.

By halftime, Duke held a 39-30 lead, but there was a sense that North Carolina was far from finished. Duke had played a solid first half, but the absence of Flagg still left a noticeable gap in their rotation. If the Tar Heels could make adjustments and capitalize on Duke’s weaknesses, this game could become much more interesting in the second half.

Second Half: North Carolina’s Furious Rally

As the second half began, North Carolina came out with renewed intensity. They tightened up their defense and began to execute their offense with greater precision. Bacot continued to dominate inside, pulling down key rebounds and scoring efficiently in the paint. Love, who had struggled with his shot early in the game, found his rhythm and began to make critical three-pointers that cut into Duke’s lead.

North Carolina’s defense also began to stifle Duke’s offensive flow. The Tar Heels were able to force turnovers and create fast-break opportunities, which helped them get easy baskets. Their defensive pressure increased, and Duke’s offense, which had been smooth in the first half, was now facing resistance. The absence of Jalen Flagg was starting to be felt more as the game progressed, with Duke’s rotation becoming slightly thinner and their defense less sharp.

North Carolina capitalized on this momentum, and in a flash, the Tar Heels had cut the lead to just three points. The crowd at the Greensboro Coliseum erupted as North Carolina’s rally continued to build. Brady Manek—a key veteran for the Tar Heels—came up with some timely shots, and Leaky Black stepped up with defensive plays that had the Blue Devils rattled.

The intensity of the game reached a fever pitch as the Tar Heels continued to chip away at Duke’s lead. With about five minutes left, North Carolina had tied the game at 66-66, completing a dramatic comeback that put Duke on their heels. The Blue Devils, who had looked poised to cruise to victory, now found themselves in a battle for their postseason lives.

Duke’s Clutch Play and Key Moments Down the Stretch

With the game tied, the final minutes were filled with tension. Paolo Banchero—who had been the standout performer for Duke all night—stepped up in a big way. He hit a critical mid-range jumper with just over two minutes left, putting Duke ahead 68-66. This basket provided a brief respite for the Blue Devils, but North Carolina was not done.

The Tar Heels responded with an aggressive drive by Caleb Love, who got to the basket and was fouled, giving him the chance to tie the game from the free-throw line. Love calmly sank both free throws, and with the game tied at 70-70, it felt like the contest could go either way.

However, Duke’s experience and poise came through in the final moments. After Mark Williams grabbed a critical offensive rebound off a missed shot, Duke had another chance to take the lead. With the shot clock winding down, Jeremy Roach found Banchero in the corner, who drained a three-pointer to give Duke a three-point lead with less than 30 seconds left. This clutch shot by Banchero was a defining moment of the game, as it gave Duke a lead they would not relinquish.

North Carolina had one final possession to tie the game, but Leaky Black’s three-pointer at the buzzer missed, and the ball fell harmlessly out of bounds, confirming Duke’s 74-71 win.

Key Performances: Banchero’s Heroics and Team Effort

While Paolo Banchero’s performance was certainly the highlight of the game, it was a team effort that secured Duke’s victory. Banchero finished with 23 points, including the crucial three-pointer that sealed the game. His ability to take over when needed, combined with his leadership, made him the difference-maker for Duke in this tight contest.

However, other Duke players stepped up when it mattered most. Mark Williams had a huge impact on both ends of the floor, finishing with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while also blocking two shots and altering many others. Wendell Moore Jr. and Jeremy Roach played steady minutes, combining for 15 points and making crucial plays on both ends.

For North Carolina, Armando Bacot was once again a force, finishing with 18 points and 14 rebounds, but even his dominant presence couldn’t secure the win. Caleb Love, who scored 16 points, had some key moments in the second half but ultimately couldn’t get the job done in the final moments.

Impact on the ACC Tournament and NCAA Tournament

With the win, Duke advances to the ACC Championship Game, where they will look to claim another conference title. Although they were without Jalen Flagg, the Blue Devils showed their depth and resilience, proving they are one of the top teams in the country. The victory over North Carolina not only solidifies their position in the ACC Tournament but also boosts their confidence heading into March Madness.

For North Carolina, the loss was a tough one, as they fought hard to come back and give themselves a chance at victory. They will now have to regroup and focus on their NCAA Tournament preparation. Although the Tar Heels will be disappointed by the result, they showed they can compete with elite teams, and their performance in this game could serve as a springboard for success in the upcoming tournament.