- Duke defeats UNC 74-71 in ACC semifinals despite missing star Cooper Flagg
- Tar Heels erase 24-point deficit before critical late-game free throw errors
- Blue Devils secure first 3-game season sweep of rivalry since 2001-02 championship year
- UNC's NCAA Tournament hopes hang in balance after heartbreaking conference loss
In a Charlotte showdown dripping with postseason intensity, Duke basketball demonstrated championship resilience by fending off North Carolina's furious second-half surge. The top-ranked Blue Devils leaned on balanced scoring and clutch defense to advance to their first ACC title game since 2019, overcoming the absence of injured phenom Cooper Flagg.
Kon Knueppel's 17-point performance anchored four Duke players in double figures, while 7'1center Khaman Maluach dominated the paint with 13 points and 9 rebounds. The victory marked Duke's third win against UNC this season - a feat last achieved during their 2001-02 national championship campaign.
The Tar Heels' late collapse will linger in Chapel Hill lore. After cutting a 24-point deficit to 72-71, North Carolina's Ven-Allen Lubin missed a crucial free throw with 4.1 seconds remaining that would have given them the lead. A lane violation nullified his second attempt, allowing Duke to ice the game at the line.
This ACC Tournament clash underscores three critical trends in modern college basketball:
- Bench depth trumps individual stardom in March (Duke's reserves outscored UNC's 28-11)
- Neutral-site games amplify rivalry intensity (Charlotte crowd of 19,812 set tournament record)
- Free throw execution separates contenders from pretenders (UNC shot 61% from stripe)
For North Carolina, the loss complicates their NCAA Tournament resume. Despite Jae'Lyn Withers' lane violation gaffe and Lubin's missed opportunities, Hubert Davis' squad showed grit by shooting 62.5% after halftime. Their late-game execution woes, however, mirror season-long concerns in close contests.
Duke's adaptability without Flagg reveals their championship pedigree. The Blue Devils improved to 7-1 in games decided by single digits this season, with coach Jon Scheyer emphasizing defensive adjustments that limited UNC to 2-12 from three-point range in the first half. Their ability to win through different strategies - transition offense early, clock management late - makes them a dangerous March threat.
The Charlotte sports scene continues cementing its status as a premier tournament host. This marks the 15th ACC Tournament held in the Queen City, where neutral-site games consistently deliver dramatic moments. Local businesses reported $28 million in economic impact from the four-day event.
As Duke prepares for Saturday's championship clash, basketball analysts note the Blue Devils' 30-win season aligns with historical title patterns. Since 2010, 80% of NCAA champions had at least 28 regular-season victories. For UNC, Selection Sunday becomes an anxious wait - no team with 13 losses has received an at-large bid since 2019.