Duke Survives Furious UNC Comeback as Blue Devils Reach ACC Tournament Final
In one of the most dramatic matchups of the ACC Tournament this season, the No. 1 Duke Blue Devils held on to defeat the North Carolina Tar Heels, 74-71, securing a spot in the ACC Tournament final. This thrilling game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Duke initially controlling the pace of play before a dramatic second-half rally by North Carolina put the game in jeopardy. Despite playing without one of their top contributors, Cooper Flagg, Duke displayed resilience and poise to fend off the surging Tar Heels and advance to the championship game.
The Blue Devils had been the top team in the ACC all season, but their path to the tournament final was far from easy. The loss of Flagg, who had been a centerpiece of Duke’s offense and defense, added uncertainty to an already high-pressure game against their fiercest rivals. North Carolina, on the other hand, came into the game with everything to prove, having battled through a challenging season and looking to upset the conference’s top team. The Tar Heels’ second-half surge almost resulted in an incredible upset, but Duke’s defense and clutch performances in the final moments ensured they were the ones left standing.
Pre-Game Expectations and Stakes
Heading into this semifinal matchup, expectations were high for both teams. Duke, having finished the regular season as the No. 1 seed in the ACC, came into the game as the clear favorite. The Blue Devils were led by Paolo Banchero, one of the top players in college basketball, and a roster filled with depth and talent, including the standout freshman Cooper Flagg. Flagg had been one of Duke’s most important players all season, contributing offensively, defensively, and as a leader. However, the Blue Devils faced a significant challenge, as Flagg was sidelined due to injury, leaving Duke without a crucial piece for this high-stakes matchup.
Despite the absence of Flagg, Duke still had plenty of firepower. Players like Banchero, Wendell Moore Jr., Mark Williams, and Jeremy Roach all had the ability to step up and lead the Blue Devils to victory. Coach Mike Krzyzewski, in what would be one of his final seasons at the helm of the program, was looking to guide his team to another ACC title as a fitting end to his legendary career.
For North Carolina, the game was an opportunity to prove themselves and make a statement. The Tar Heels, under first-year head coach Hubert Davis, had struggled at times throughout the season, but they still had the talent to compete with any team in the country. With players like Armando Bacot, Caleb Love, and Brady Manek, North Carolina had a combination of inside power, perimeter shooting, and experience that made them dangerous, especially in big games like this one. Despite entering the game as underdogs, the Tar Heels were determined to make it to the championship game, and they came out with a chip on their shoulder.
First Half: Duke’s Control and Strong Start
From the opening tip, Duke played with intensity and focus. Paolo Banchero, who had been the Blue Devils’ leader all season, wasted no time in asserting his dominance. The 6’10” forward was simply too much for North Carolina’s defenders, using his strength and finesse to score both in the post and from the perimeter. He scored 10 points in the first half, including a couple of smooth jumpers and a powerful dunk in transition. His performance was a clear indicator of Duke’s intentions to control the game, even without Flagg.
The Blue Devils’ defense was equally impressive early on. Mark Williams dominated the paint, swatting shots and grabbing rebounds at an impressive rate. His presence in the lane made it difficult for North Carolina to score inside, and he was a constant disruptor on the defensive end. On the perimeter, Jeremy Roach and Wendell Moore Jr. kept the Tar Heels from getting into any offensive rhythm. North Carolina’s perimeter shooting was cold, and the Blue Devils were able to force them into difficult shots, helping Duke build a sizable lead.
As Duke pushed their lead to 14 points with just under four minutes left in the first half, it looked like they might cruise to a comfortable victory. However, North Carolina wasn’t going to go down without a fight. Armando Bacot, the Tar Heels’ star forward, began to assert himself on the boards, pulling down several key rebounds and finishing tough plays around the basket. Bacot’s ability to battle inside kept North Carolina within striking distance, despite Duke’s dominance on both ends of the floor.
By halftime, Duke held a 39-30 lead, but it was clear that North Carolina was far from out of the game. The Tar Heels had been forced to adjust to Duke’s defensive intensity, and while they hadn’t fully found their offensive rhythm, there were signs of life. The stage was set for an exciting second half, with North Carolina needing to make adjustments to mount a comeback.
Second Half: North Carolina’s Furious Rally
The second half began with a completely different energy. North Carolina came out of the locker room fired up, and they quickly started to chip away at Duke’s lead. Caleb Love, who had been quiet in the first half, found his rhythm early in the second, knocking down a series of three-pointers. His perimeter shooting sparked a run for the Tar Heels, and the Blue Devils began to show signs of vulnerability. Love’s ability to stretch the floor allowed Bacot to work inside with more space, and the Tar Heels quickly cut the deficit to just six points.
On the defensive end, North Carolina intensified their pressure. Leaky Black and Brady Manek did an excellent job of contesting shots and forcing Duke into difficult offensive possessions. Duke struggled to maintain the fast pace they had established in the first half, and without Flagg to provide an additional scoring option, the Blue Devils’ offense became more predictable. North Carolina capitalized on Duke’s stagnation, using fast breaks and second-chance points to fuel their comeback.
With about 10 minutes remaining, the game was tied at 58-58, and the momentum had completely shifted in favor of the Tar Heels. The crowd in Greensboro Coliseum erupted as North Carolina completed their rally, and it looked as if Duke might be on the brink of collapse. The Blue Devils, who had seemed so in control in the first half, were now on their heels, trying to withstand North Carolina’s relentless attack.
Duke’s Clutch Plays and Poise Under Pressure
With the game tied, Duke’s leadership stepped up when it mattered most. Paolo Banchero, who had been Duke’s focal point all game, continued to play with confidence and composure. As the clock ticked down, Banchero hit a clutch mid-range jumper to give Duke a 70-68 lead. On the next possession, Mark Williams provided a crucial rebound and finished strong at the rim, extending the Blue Devils’ lead to 72-68.
North Carolina refused to go away, and with just two minutes remaining, Brady Manek knocked down a key three-pointer to bring the Tar Heels within one point, 72-71. The game was now in the balance, and every possession felt like it could decide the outcome.
Duke responded with calm and precision. After Jeremy Roach made a key defensive stop on the next possession, Duke had the ball with a chance to extend their lead. With the shot clock winding down, Wendell Moore Jr. found Banchero, who was fouled on a drive to the basket. Banchero sank both free throws, putting Duke ahead 74-71 with just 10 seconds remaining.
North Carolina had one last chance to tie the game, but Leaky Black’s three-pointer at the buzzer missed, and the Blue Devils secured the rebound. The final whistle blew, and Duke had survived a furious North Carolina rally to win 74-71, earning their place in the ACC Championship Game.
Key Performances and Analysis
Despite playing without Cooper Flagg, Duke’s victory was powered by several key performances. Paolo Banchero led the way with 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, showcasing why he is one of the top players in college basketball. His ability to create his own shot and hit clutch baskets down the stretch was crucial for Duke in securing the win.
Mark Williams was a defensive force throughout the game, finishing with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks. His presence in the paint was essential, and his ability to alter shots and grab key rebounds in crunch time helped Duke maintain their advantage.
Jeremy Roach and Wendell Moore Jr. also played vital roles. Roach contributed 8 points and 5 assists, running the offense and providing leadership when Duke needed it most. Moore was a steady hand, scoring 12 points and making timely defensive plays.
For North Carolina, Armando Bacot was a standout, finishing with 18 points and 13 rebounds. His effort on the boards was instrumental in keeping North Carolina in the game, and he was a constant presence in the paint. Caleb Love, who had been inconsistent throughout the game, ended with 17 points and provided some much-needed scoring in the second half. Brady Manek added 14 points, including a key three-pointer late in the game.