BREAKING: Duke Beats UNC for Third Time, Advances to ACC Tournament Championship Game
In an intense and highly anticipated showdown, the Duke Blue Devils secured a 78-70 victory over their fierce rivals, the North Carolina Tar Heels, to advance to the ACC Tournament Championship game. This marks the third time Duke has triumphed over UNC this season, further solidifying their dominance in one of college basketball’s most heated rivalries.
The game was electric from the tip-off, as both teams brought their usual high-intensity, fierce competition to the floor. With the game on the line and a championship berth in sight, Duke proved to be the stronger side, maintaining control throughout most of the second half after a hard-fought first period.
Duke’s standout player, Jeremy Roach, was a key figure in their victory, contributing heavily both offensively and defensively. Roach scored a team-high 22 points and made critical shots when it mattered most, leading the Blue Devils to the win. His poise in high-pressure situations helped Duke weather the storm when UNC mounted late runs in an effort to close the gap.
In addition to Roach’s strong performance, freshman sensation Kyle Filipowski delivered a crucial 18-point, 10-rebound double-double, anchoring the Blue Devils’ defense and providing a constant offensive threat inside. Filipowski’s presence in the paint helped Duke dominate the rebounding battle, which proved vital in preventing UNC from gaining second-chance opportunities.
UNC, led by Armando Bacot, fought valiantly but struggled with consistency throughout the game. Bacot was a force on both ends of the floor, scoring 20 points and pulling down 13 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to propel the Tar Heels to victory. Despite the efforts of their senior leader, North Carolina’s shooting woes and a series of turnovers during critical moments hindered their comeback efforts.
The first half was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. UNC was able to stay within striking distance, but Duke’s depth and balanced scoring attack helped them pull ahead in the latter stages of the second half. The Blue Devils’ ability to lock down defensively when it mattered most, especially in containing UNC’s perimeter shooting, was a crucial factor in the win.
With the victory, Duke moves on to face the winner of the other semifinal matchup in the ACC Championship game, set to be an exciting conclusion to the conference tournament. The Blue Devils will be looking to capture another ACC Tournament title, building momentum as they head into the NCAA Tournament.
For UNC, this loss marks another disappointment in a season that has been full of ups and downs. While the Tar Heels still have a shot at the NCAA Tournament, they’ll need to regroup quickly and address their offensive inconsistencies to make a deep run.
Duke’s win over UNC in the ACC Tournament semifinal is a statement performance that cements their status as one of the top teams in the conference. With momentum on their side, the Blue Devils are poised to make a serious run for the championship in the final game of the tournament.