Duke, playing without Cooper Flagg, held off a late North Carolina rally to secure a 74-71 victory in a thrilling contest.

In the world of college basketball, few rivalries can match the intensity and history of Duke versus North Carolina. When these two storied programs meet, it’s more than just a game; it’s a battle that encapsulates the essence of college sports. The stakes were raised even higher when Duke, a perennial powerhouse, found themselves without their star player, Cooper Flagg, for a critical matchup in the ACC Tournament. Despite the absence of Flagg, Duke managed to withstand a late-game rally from North Carolina to win 74-71 in a thrilling contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The Absence of Cooper Flagg: A Major Setback for Duke

The news that Cooper Flagg, Duke’s standout freshman and one of the top prospects in college basketball, would miss this game due to injury sent shockwaves through the Duke fanbase. Flagg had been a key piece of Duke’s success throughout the season, contributing on both ends of the floor with his exceptional scoring, rebounding, and defense. His versatility allowed Duke to run a more dynamic offense, and his ability to protect the rim on defense was a cornerstone of the Blue Devils’ strategy.

Without Flagg, the Blue Devils were forced to adapt their game plan. His absence meant more pressure on Duke’s other players to step up, particularly those in the frontcourt, and the guard positions. The challenge was immense—North Carolina, their archrivals, were more than capable of exploiting any weaknesses, and Duke would need to play near-perfect basketball to hold off a team as talented as the Tar Heels.

First Half: Duke’s Balanced Attack

Despite the absence of Flagg, Duke came out of the gate strong, showing that they were more than capable of competing at a high level. The Blue Devils leaned on their experienced guards and forward play to dictate the pace of the game. Jeremy Roach, who had been playing through an ankle injury, stepped up as a leader for the team, scoring early and often to give Duke an early advantage. Roach, a steady presence in the backcourt, was also facilitating the offense, dishing out assists and running the offense efficiently. He was not only a scorer but also a playmaker, setting up teammates like Tyrese Proctor and Mark Mitchell, who took on larger roles in Flagg’s absence.

Proctor, the talented freshman guard, played with maturity beyond his years, taking on a more significant role in the absence of Flagg. He added scoring to the Blue Devils’ offensive arsenal, getting to the basket and hitting crucial mid-range jumpers. Proctor’s ability to handle the ball and keep the offense moving was vital to Duke’s success early in the game.

On the defensive end, Duke’s strategy was to slow down North Carolina’s potent offense. The Tar Heels, led by the inside presence of Armando Bacot and the dynamic scoring of Caleb Love, were capable of striking quickly. However, Duke’s defense was resilient, particularly in the paint. Kyle Filipowski, despite being less mobile than usual, contributed as much as he could defensively and on the boards. He used his size to alter shots and helped Duke secure critical rebounds. Duke also maintained pressure on the perimeter, contesting shots and forcing North Carolina into difficult looks.

North Carolina’s offense struggled to find consistency in the first half. Caleb Love, known for his scoring ability, was guarded tightly by Duke’s backcourt, and he had difficulty finding his rhythm. Bacot was also limited, with Duke’s defense preventing him from getting easy touches in the low post. The Blue Devils built a solid lead thanks to their collective effort on both sides of the ball, closing out the first half with a 38-29 advantage.

Second Half: North Carolina Makes a Charge

While Duke had controlled much of the game in the first half, the second half saw North Carolina’s resiliency come to the forefront. The Tar Heels, facing a nine-point deficit, weren’t about to go down without a fight. The team, led by head coach Hubert Davis, adjusted its offensive scheme to get Bacot more touches in the post, and Love began to find his rhythm as the Tar Heels came out of the break with renewed energy.

Bacot’s physicality in the paint was finally beginning to wear down Duke’s defense. The senior center used his size and strength to bully his way inside, scoring a series of easy buckets. His rebounding was also crucial in keeping North Carolina in the game, particularly on the offensive glass, where he secured several second-chance opportunities for his team. Bacot’s dominance in the paint helped North Carolina close the gap, cutting Duke’s lead to just five points with 12 minutes remaining.

As the game progressed, the intensity on the floor ramped up. Caleb Love, who had struggled in the first half, finally came alive. He started knocking down difficult shots, including several mid-range jumpers, and showed his ability to create offense in tight situations. Love’s scoring run sparked a 10-0 North Carolina run that tied the game at 58-58 with just over seven minutes to go. The Tar Heels had weathered the storm and now had momentum on their side.

Duke, however, was not rattled. The Blue Devils had faced adversity all season and had proven their ability to close out games under pressure. With Flagg on the bench, it was up to the veterans, particularly Jeremy Roach and Filipowski, to guide the team through this tense moment. Roach continued to lead by example, scoring crucial baskets and assisting on several key plays. His leadership was invaluable as Duke tried to stem the tide of North Carolina’s comeback.

Filipowski, who had been a steady presence throughout the game, played a crucial role in the closing minutes. He was able to score in the post, converting a tough basket to put Duke ahead by four points with under three minutes left. His size and ability to finish around the rim were key in providing Duke with a go-to option down the stretch.

The Final Stretch: Clutch Performances and Nerve-Wracking Moments

As the game entered its final minutes, it became clear that neither team was going to back down. North Carolina, now fully in attack mode, continued to apply pressure, but Duke’s defense held firm. The Tar Heels had multiple opportunities to take the lead, but missed key shots, including an open three-pointer from Love that could have given them a one-point advantage with less than a minute to go.

Duke’s defense, despite missing their star player, was able to make crucial stops. Filipowski, who had been less mobile throughout the game, found his second wind and came up with a massive block on Bacot in the paint with just under a minute left. That defensive stand gave Duke a chance to extend their lead. On the next possession, Roach, who had been playing with poise throughout the game, calmly sank two free throws to give Duke a three-point lead with 20 seconds left.

With time winding down, North Carolina had one last shot at a game-tying three-pointer. Caleb Love, who had been on fire in the second half, took the shot with a hand in his face, but it rimmed out. Filipowski secured the rebound, and Duke held on for the 74-71 victory.

Postgame Reaction: Duke’s Resilience

The Blue Devils had faced an immense challenge, losing their star player and seeing their lead evaporate in the second half, but they responded with resilience and determination. Jeremy Roach’s leadership, Filipowski’s presence in the paint, and the collective effort from the rest of the team carried Duke to victory. Despite the adversity, Duke demonstrated that they were more than capable of competing at a high level, even without their best player.

Duke head coach Jon Scheyer was quick to praise his team’s grit in the postgame interview, noting how the Blue Devils showed tremendous character by sticking together through tough moments. “We’ve faced adversity all season, and this was no different,” Scheyer said. “The way our guys responded, especially without Cooper, shows the kind of team we have. Everyone stepped up tonight, and that’s what this tournament is all about.”

For North Carolina, the loss was a gut-wrenching one. They had fought back from a significant deficit and had a chance to win in the final moments, but the shots just wouldn’t fall. Head coach Hubert Davis remained proud of his team’s effort, even though they came up short. “We fought hard, and I’m proud of how our guys competed, but credit to Duke—they made the plays when it mattered most,” Davis said.

What This Win Means for Duke

Duke’s 74-71 win over North Carolina is a significant one, not just because it came against their biggest rival, but because it showed the Blue Devils’ ability to adapt, overcome adversity, and execute under pressure. Despite missing one of their most important players, they played with confidence and composure, ultimately proving they could win even when things weren’t going their way.

Looking ahead, this victory sets the stage for a possible championship run in the ACC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. With Cooper Flagg expected to return, the Blue Devils could be a much more dangerous team as they continue their pursuit of a national title.