How Caleb Foster and Maliq Brown helped Duke basketball pull off a comeback victory at UNC to win the ACC

In a game that would go down in the history books of Duke basketball, the Blue Devils staged an unforgettable comeback at North Carolina in a dramatic finish that not only earned them a crucial victory over their archrival but also secured the ACC Championship for the 2024 season. The win was a testament to the resilience, talent, and poise of a team that had faced its share of adversity throughout the season. At the heart of Duke’s historic comeback were two players whose performances on both ends of the floor were instrumental: Caleb Foster and Maliq Brown.

For Caleb Foster, the sophomore guard, and Maliq Brown, the dynamic forward, the game was a showcase of their ability to rise to the occasion and perform under pressure. The game was an emotional roller coaster for fans, players, and coaches alike, but it was these two players who made the difference when it mattered most.

This article will dive into how Caleb Foster and Maliq Brown’s contributions not only played a crucial role in the comeback win at UNC, but also how their development over the season helped Duke secure its ACC Championship.

Setting the Stage: The Rivalry Game at Chapel Hill

The Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Tar Heels have one of the most storied rivalries in college basketball, a rivalry that is fueled by decades of competition, legendary players, and championship aspirations. The 2024 ACC Championship game, played at Chapel Hill, added a new chapter to this already rich history. With both teams fighting for their postseason positioning, the atmosphere was electric, and the stakes could not have been higher.

However, for much of the game, it seemed like North Carolina would come out on top. The Tar Heels, led by their own talented group of players, had built a significant lead in the second half, seemingly on their way to a comfortable victory. But Duke had other plans.

Down by 15 points with just over 10 minutes remaining in the second half, the Blue Devils looked like they might fall short in this heated rivalry game. But with the game slipping away, Caleb Foster and Maliq Brown turned the tide, leading the charge for Duke’s comeback.

Caleb Foster: The Poise and Scoring Spark

At the center of Duke’s resurgence was Caleb Foster, whose maturity and calm demeanor under pressure played a significant role in the team’s ability to execute when the game was on the line. As a sophomore guard, Foster had already shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, but this game was where he truly emerged as one of the most important players for the Blue Devils.

Foster finished the game with 23 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds, a stat line that exemplified his all-around contributions. What stood out most, however, was his ability to take over offensively when Duke needed it most. With the Tar Heels’ defense tightening up and Duke’s offensive sets struggling, Foster became the focal point of the offense, scoring in a variety of ways.

He began his offensive onslaught by knocking down crucial three-pointers to trim the deficit. His shooting from beyond the arc not only helped reduce the gap on the scoreboard but also stretched the defense and opened up lanes for his teammates. Foster’s three-point shooting (he finished 5-of-8 from beyond the arc) became a weapon that UNC could not contain, forcing the Tar Heels’ defense to collapse on him and leave his teammates with more open opportunities.

Beyond his shooting, it was Foster’s ability to control the tempo and make the right play that was crucial. His 6 assists came at critical junctures of the game, especially when Duke was down and in need of a basket. Foster showcased his vision, making pinpoint passes to open shooters, and orchestrating the offense with a level of poise that belied his age. He frequently found Dereck Lively II on cuts to the basket and Tyrese Proctor in transition, creating easy scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Foster’s late-game heroics were also key. With the game on the line, he hit a clutch three-pointer with just under 2 minutes to play, putting Duke ahead for the first time since the opening minutes of the game. His leadership and confidence in the most critical moments demonstrated why he was the player Duke could rely on when everything was on the line.

Maliq Brown: The Defensive Stalwart and Rebounding Machine

While Caleb Foster stole much of the offensive spotlight, it was Maliq Brown who played a vital role in keeping Duke in the game with his contributions on the defensive end and on the boards. Brown, a freshman forward, had been one of the most improved players for the Blue Devils throughout the season, and his impact in the comeback win against UNC was a perfect example of his development.

Brown finished the game with 14 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 assists, marking a double-double that showcased his versatility and importance to Duke’s success. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor helped Duke remain competitive when it looked like they were going to be overwhelmed by the Tar Heels’ momentum.

One of the most notable aspects of Brown’s performance was his defensive intensity. As UNC started to push their lead in the second half, they relied heavily on Armando Bacot, their star big man, to dominate the paint and control the boards. Brown’s job was to make life difficult for Bacot, and he did just that. His physicality and ability to contest shots made it difficult for Bacot to finish at the rim, and he was instrumental in limiting the Tar Heels’ second-chance opportunities.

Brown also had a key block on a Bacot layup attempt with under 4 minutes left in the game, a pivotal moment that swung the momentum fully in Duke’s favor. The block not only preserved the Blue Devils’ chances to close the gap but also sent a message to UNC that they couldn’t rely on their size advantage in the paint. Brown’s defensive presence was critical in keeping the game close and allowing the offense to catch up.

On the offensive end, Brown’s ability to crash the boards was equally valuable. His 10 rebounds, including several offensive boards, helped Duke regain possession in critical moments. One of his key offensive rebounds came with just over 3 minutes remaining, where he grabbed an offensive board and found an open Proctor for a three-pointer, cutting UNC’s lead to just 4 points.

Brown’s effort on the glass and in the paint was a perfect complement to Foster’s perimeter shooting and playmaking. Together, they provided the balance Duke needed to stage a successful comeback.

The Team’s Resilience: Rallying Together for the Win

While Caleb Foster and Maliq Brown were undoubtedly the stars of Duke’s historic comeback win, the victory was ultimately a team effort. Coach Jon Scheyer deserves significant credit for adjusting his strategies and putting his players in positions to succeed. Duke’s defense, in particular, locked down UNC in the final minutes, forcing key turnovers and getting crucial stops.

After the Tar Heels’ hot shooting and early lead, the Blue Devils began to impose their will defensively, stifling UNC’s offensive sets and closing down driving lanes. Foster’s aggressive ball pressure, combined with Brown’s shot-blocking and rebounding, made it nearly impossible for the Tar Heels to get clean looks in the final stages of the game.

The leadership of Jon Scheyer, the calmness of Foster, and the all-around efforts of Brown provided the foundation for the comeback. The Blue Devils’ depth and ability to contribute in all areas of the game—shooting, defense, rebounding, and playmaking—allowed them to claw back from a double-digit deficit and eventually take control of the game.

The ACC Championship: A Milestone for Duke Basketball

With Caleb Foster and Maliq Brown leading the charge, Duke secured a 74-70 victory over UNC to claim the 2024 ACC Championship. The win was not only a testament to their talent and skill but also a reflection of their growth as players. Duke’s season had been full of ups and downs, but this victory showed that the Blue Devils were ready for the postseason and could overcome adversity when it mattered most.

For Foster, who had developed into one of the team’s go-to players, the ACC title was a defining moment in his young career. For Brown, the win validated the expectations that had surrounded him when he first arrived at Duke. Both players, along with their teammates, had shown resilience and composure, qualities that would serve them well as they looked ahead to the NCAA Tournament.