UNC completed the season sweep of Duke last night, defeating its rival, 79-70. The Tar Heels overcame a 2 point half time deficit en route to the win, securing a share of the ACC regular season title and the two seed in the ACCT.
The first half went back and fourth between the two blue bloods, with the largest lead being 5 in favor of Duke. In the first half, there were 6 lead changes and 4 ties.
Roy Williams squad quickly gained a 42-40 advantage out of the break, but the Blue Devils hung close, tying the game with 13 minutes to go. UNC pulled away in the next 8 minutes of play, going on a 23-8 run to take a commanding 15 point advantage.
A 10-0 run by Duke brought the game within 5, but Duke failed to score within the last two minutes of play, and free throws by Cam Johnson and Garrison Brooks sealed the win for UNC.
Coby White led the way for the Tar Heels, posting 21 points as his draft stock continues to rise. Despite only having 7 points, Luke Maye brought down 16 rebounds over Dukes injured front court. Cam Johnson added a double double of 14 points and 10 boards.
Duke, without Zion Williamson for the fifth straight ACC game, was led by RJ Barrett’s double double, as he put up 26 points along with 12 rebounds. Cam Reddish wasn’t far behind with 23 points. Despite the production from Dukes two elite freshman, the duo only shot a combined 32% from the floor. As a whole, Duke only managed to knock down 25% of its threes.
With the win, UNC snags a share of the ACC regular season title, along with the two seed in the ACC tournament. Duke falls to 26-5, and a 1 seed in the NCAA tournament for the Blue Devils may be reliant on their success in Charlotte. Both teams earned a double buy, and will play Thursday in the late slot of games.