Duke Crushes North Carolina in Historic Rivalry Showdown – No. 2 Duke extended its winning streak to 15 games Friday night with a commanding 89-68 victory over rival North Carolina at a raucous Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils’ dominance underscored their status as national title contenders while leaving the Tar Heels scrambling to revive their NCAA Tournament hopes.
How Duke Dominated the Game
Freshman sensation Cooper Flagg spearheaded Duke’s relentless attack, racking up 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists. Flagg’s explosive drives and lockdown defense set the tone early, helping the Blue Devils seize a 52-30 halftime lead. “He’s a generational talent,” said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas during the broadcast. “When Flagg’s on, Duke looks unstoppable.”
Supporting cast members Kon Knueppel (18 points) and Tyrese Proctor (16 points) drained clutch three-pointers, while guard Sion James disrupted UNC’s offense with four steals. Duke capitalized on 17 Tar Heel turnovers, converting them into 23 fast-break points. The team shot 54% from the field and 48% from beyond the arc, overwhelming North Carolina’s defense.
North Carolina’s Missed Opportunities
The Tar Heels, unranked and fighting for a tournament bid, never found their rhythm. Star guard RJ Davis shot just 3-of-14 from the field, while freshman Ian Jackson fouled out midway through the second half. Point guard Elliot Cadeau committed five turnovers, and the team collectively shot 39% from the floor. “We got outplayed in every phase,” UNC coach Hubert Davis admitted postgame.
Why This Game Mattered
Duke (20-1, 10-0 ACC) solidified its case for a No. 1 NCAA Tournament seed with the win. For North Carolina (16-7, 6-5 ACC), the loss complicates its postseason path—the Tar Heels have now dropped three of their last five games.
Betting Trends and NBA Draft Buzz
Duke entered as a 13.5-point favorite, a margin they easily covered. The game featured six potential NBA first-round picks, including Flagg, who’s projected as the 2025 draft’s top pick. Scouts praised his versatility, while UNC’s Jackson (14 points) showed flashes despite foul trouble.
A Rivalry Rooted in History
This marked the 263rd meeting between the programs, with UNC holding a narrow 143-140 series lead. However, Duke improved to 52-42 against the Tar Heels in Cameron Indoor Stadium, where students camped out for weeks to secure seats. “The atmosphere here is electric,” said Duke coach Jon Scheyer. “Our fans fueled us tonight.”
What’s Next for Both Teams
Duke faces Virginia Tech next Wednesday, aiming to protect its perfect ACC record. North Carolina returns home to host Miami, a must-win game to stay in the tournament conversation.
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