North Carolina's dramatic OT comeback shocks Duke after blowing 16-point lead

On Thursday night, January 9, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the North Carolina women's basketball team, ranked 19th, defeated No. 14 Duke in a thrilling overtime showdown. North Carolina managed to triumph with a score of 53-46 after relinquishing a substantial 16-point advantage in the second half. The Tar Heels opened strong, leading comfortably until a resurgence from the Blue Devils made for a competitive finish. Alyssa Ustby was instrumental for North Carolina, contributing 10 points and 11 rebounds during the nail-biting contest. As the game progressed, both teams struggled offensively, culminating in a tie at halftime. North Carolina ignited the second half with a 16-0 run, significantly boosting their scoring as Duke struggled to find their rhythm. However, Duke ultimately clawed back into contention, forcing the game into overtime. The overtime period was tense, with both teams battling for momentum. Blanca Thomas and Lexi Donarski made key contributions to keep North Carolina ahead in the final moments. In the closing seconds, North Carolina sealed the victory by successfully converting crucial free throws. Despite a challenging offensive performance, marked by a season-high of 26 turnovers, the Tar Heels rallied their defense and persevered in a tightly contested match. Duke's inconsistencies allowed North Carolina to capitalize late in the game, and the victory underscores the Tar Heels' resilience in the competitive Atlantic Coast Conference. The result was a closely fought encounter for both historic rivals set within the context of NCAA Division I women's basketball. Both teams strive to improve their standings within the ACC, and wins like these are pivotal for building momentum as the season progresses. This match exemplifies the fierce rivalry between North Carolina and Duke, a fixture in college basketball that always garners significant attention.