Duke edges North Carolina in a thrilling ACC Tournament clash

In Charlotte, North Carolina, Duke University faced off against the University of North Carolina in a high-stakes matchup during the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament on March 14, 2025. Duke, ranked number one, entered the game without star player Cooper Flagg, yet still managed to establish dominance in the first half, leading by as much as 24 points during the game. The Blue Devils, supported by Kon Knueppel's impressive 17-point performance and strong contributions from Khaman Maluach and Sion James, showcased depth and resilience despite their star player's absence. The second half saw a remarkable rally from North Carolina, which fought back tirelessly and managed to cut the deficit significantly. Led by Ven-Allen Lubin's strong performance, the Tar Heels pulled within one point in the final moments of the game. However, their chance to clinch victory was thwarted when Jae-Lyn Withers committed a lane violation during a critical free throw opportunity, costing UNC a game-tying shot at the free-throw line. Although UNC's players showed impressive determination, their inability to convert critical plays proved costly. The game ended with Duke securing a narrow 74-71 victory, marking the first time in over two decades that Duke has triumphed over North Carolina three times within a single season. The loss is particularly painful for North Carolina as it potentially jeopardizes their chances of qualifying for the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Hubert Davis maintained a dignified demeanor in the aftermath, emphasizing understanding and growth despite the disappointing outcome for his team.