5 halftime observations from No. 2 Duke men’s basketball’s first half against North Carolina.

The Duke vs. North Carolina rivalry is one of the most iconic in all of sports, with the intensity and drama surrounding it providing a unique atmosphere every time these two storied programs meet. On this particular day, the No. 2 ranked Duke Blue Devils took on their fierce rivals, the North Carolina Tar Heels, in a game filled with high expectations, emotion, and plenty of pressure. As the game entered halftime, Duke had established a strong first-half performance, but like any rivalry game, it was far from over. Here are five key observations from Duke’s first half against North Carolina—moments that highlighted the Blue Devils’ strengths, their potential weaknesses, and the intensity of the game.

1. Duke’s Defensive Dominance: Unrelenting Pressure

From the opening tip, it was clear that Duke’s defense would be a focal point of their game plan. Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils came out with a stifling defensive effort that frustrated North Carolina’s offense at every turn. Duke’s players, particularly Tyrese Proctor, Mark Mitchell, and Kyle Filipowski, applied consistent pressure to UNC’s shooters and forced them into difficult situations.

One of the most noticeable trends during the first half was Duke’s ability to contest shots and keep UNC off balance. Duke was not simply playing strong individual defense; it was the team defense that made the difference. The Blue Devils constantly communicated, switched effectively on ball screens, and collapsed on Armando Bacot in the paint, preventing easy post touches. The effort was further reflected in North Carolina’s poor shooting percentage. At halftime, UNC was shooting just 38% from the field—a statistic that revealed how well Duke was contesting every shot and disrupting their rhythm.

In addition to contesting shots, Duke was able to force several turnovers that led to fast-break opportunities. With their length and athleticism, the Blue Devils were able to scramble on defense and create turnovers in the open court, leading to quick, easy buckets in transition. Duke’s defensive identity was well established in the first half, and it was clear that Scheyer’s team was more than capable of shutting down UNC’s offense.

2. The Impact of Tyrese Proctor as a Playmaker

Tyrese Proctor had a standout first half, not just as a scorer but as a facilitator. One of the key elements that stood out in the opening period was Proctor’s ability to set the tone offensively, distributing the ball effectively and finding his teammates in scoring positions. While Proctor isn’t always the primary scorer for Duke, his vision and unselfishness were on full display, particularly in the first half.

In a game where emotions run high and the pressure to score can mount quickly, Proctor’s ability to remain composed and facilitate the offense was invaluable. He registered four assists in the first half, and his ability to penetrate into the lane and find open shooters allowed Duke to maintain offensive flow. One particularly notable assist came in the half-court set, where Proctor drove into the paint, drawing multiple defenders before dishing out to Filipowski, who knocked down a three-pointer from the top of the key.

But Proctor’s value went beyond just setting up his teammates. When the game tightened, he showed his ability to score in key moments, hitting a mid-range jumper and taking the ball to the basket for an easy layup. His all-around play helped Duke stay in control during stretches when North Carolina was looking to capitalize on the game’s momentum.

It’s easy to overlook Proctor’s role because of the attention players like Filipowski and Mitchell typically draw, but his ability to balance playmaking and scoring was a key to Duke’s success in the first half. As the game progressed, Proctor would be pivotal in ensuring that the offense stayed balanced and fluid, keeping the pressure on North Carolina.

3. Kyle Filipowski’s Early Offensive Impact

Kyle Filipowski was one of the most noticeable players in the first half, not just because of his scoring ability but because of his leadership and versatility. As Duke’s most consistent scoring threat, Filipowski was often the focal point of the offense, and in the opening 20 minutes, he delivered.

Filipowski made an immediate impact in both the post and on the perimeter. He hit a couple of mid-range jumpers and showed off his impressive footwork inside, finishing through contact and getting to the free-throw line. His ability to space the floor and create opportunities for teammates was a critical aspect of Duke’s offense in the first half.

However, it wasn’t just his scoring that stood out; Filipowski’s rebounding was just as important. He recorded seven rebounds in the first half, including a number of key offensive boards that allowed Duke to extend possessions. This combination of scoring and rebounding made him a difficult matchup for UNC’s defense, as they struggled to find a way to stop his multifaceted game.

One specific play exemplified Filipowski’s impact: he grabbed an offensive rebound, went straight up through the defense, and finished with a strong dunk. That play not only boosted Duke’s lead but also sent a message to North Carolina that the Blue Devils were hungry and not backing down from the physicality of the rivalry.

As the game went on, it became evident that Filipowski would need to continue to play at a high level, both as a scorer and a leader on the floor. His ability to keep the offensive engine running while also contributing on defense would prove essential in the second half.

4. North Carolina’s Struggles to Execute in the Half-Court

While Duke’s defense was certainly a factor, part of the reason for North Carolina’s struggles in the first half was their inability to execute in the half-court offense. Hubert Davis’ Tar Heels are known for their up-tempo style of play, but in the first half, Duke’s defense dictated the pace and kept UNC out of rhythm.

Armando Bacot, who is typically a dominant force in the paint, was largely ineffective in the opening half. Duke’s defense consistently collapsed on Bacot when he got the ball down low, forcing him into tough shots and limiting his second-chance opportunities. As a result, UNC’s offense struggled to establish a consistent flow, and they found themselves taking contested shots late in the shot clock.

Caleb Love, one of UNC’s go-to players, also had difficulty getting into any rhythm. He was often forced to take long-range shots or try to drive into a crowded paint, resulting in some poor shot selections. While Love did manage to get a few baskets, his overall performance in the first half was far below the level expected from a player of his caliber.

Overall, North Carolina’s inability to execute in the half-court offense was one of the key factors that kept them from making any significant runs to close the gap. They had trouble getting into a groove, and Duke’s defense was relentless in taking them out of their comfort zone.

5. Duke’s Bench Depth Provides Valuable Contributions

Another important takeaway from the first half was the depth of Duke’s roster and how the bench players provided critical contributions. Unlike many teams that rely heavily on their starters to carry the load, Duke’s bench players brought energy and sparked momentum when needed.

Jaylen Blakes was a standout off the bench in the first half, providing key minutes as a defensive presence and playmaker. Blakes came in during a stretch where North Carolina was trying to cut into Duke’s lead, and his perimeter defense helped slow down UNC’s guards. Blakes also had a few key assists, one of which resulted in a Filipowski dunk that extended Duke’s lead.

Additionally, Jacob Grandison and Christian Reeves provided important minutes in the post and on the wing. Grandison, known for his shooting ability, nailed a key three-pointer from the corner, helping to keep the pressure on North Carolina. Meanwhile, Reeves was solid in the paint, giving Duke some much-needed size off the bench and making sure that Duke’s defense didn’t drop off when the starters were resting.

Duke’s depth was crucial in the first half, especially as they managed to maintain a lead without relying entirely on their starters. The fact that the bench was able to come in and contribute, whether it was through scoring, defense, or facilitating, shows the versatility and depth of this Blue Devils team. This depth will be one of the keys for Duke moving forward as they look to contend for the national championship.