Kon Knueppel, Duke basketball survive comeback bid from UNC basketball in ACC Tournament

The stage was set for an unforgettable showdown in the 2025 ACC Tournament. In one of the most heated rivalries in all of college basketball, the Duke Blue Devils and the North Carolina Tar Heels met once again, this time with the stakes higher than ever. The battle between these two powerhouse programs—rivals steeped in tradition and pride—was amplified even further by the presence of Duke’s rising star, freshman Kon Knueppel, who had already begun to make a name for himself in his first season in Durham. But as the game unfolded, it became clear that this was not going to be an ordinary contest. What transpired was a thrilling clash of wills, with Duke narrowly surviving a fierce comeback bid from North Carolina to secure the win and advance further in the ACC Tournament.

The Build-Up: A Rivalry Renewed

The rivalry between Duke and North Carolina has long been one of the most intense and storied in college basketball. Year in and year out, their matchups are among the most anticipated games on the calendar, and the 2025 ACC Tournament was no exception. With both teams boasting deep rosters, passionate fanbases, and rich histories, this game had all the ingredients of a classic encounter.

For Duke, this season marked a new chapter in the program’s storied legacy, with Jon Scheyer at the helm in his first year as head coach following the retirement of Mike Krzyzewski. Scheyer had quickly established himself as a capable leader, blending Coach K’s winning mentality with his own innovative approach to the game. The Blue Devils had a highly talented roster, with the aforementioned Kon Knueppel emerging as one of the top freshman talents in the country. Knueppel, known for his all-around game, had been a revelation for Duke, combining his scoring, playmaking, and defensive prowess to become the focal point of Duke’s offense.

On the other side of the rivalry, North Carolina was eager to make a statement. Despite a challenging season, the Tar Heels—led by veteran head coach Hubert Davis—were always dangerous in the postseason. UNC boasted a talented squad, headlined by star player Armando Bacot, who had the ability to dominate both ends of the floor. Bacot’s presence in the paint, coupled with the shooting of Caleb Love and the leadership of RJ Davis, made North Carolina a formidable opponent.

As the game tipped off, fans at the Greensboro Coliseum were treated to the kind of energy and atmosphere that only a Duke-UNC matchup could provide. The intensity of the rivalry, combined with the high stakes of the ACC Tournament, had both teams playing with a sense of urgency from the very start.

Kon Knueppel: The Blue Devils’ Young Star

From the opening whistle, Kon Knueppel wasted no time showing why he was one of the most talked-about freshmen in college basketball. Standing 6’6” and possessing a versatile skill set, Knueppel immediately made his presence felt on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he showcased his ability to score in a variety of ways—whether it was hitting pull-up jumpers from mid-range, knocking down three-pointers, or finishing at the rim with authority. But what really set him apart was his poise and maturity for such a young player. His basketball IQ and court vision allowed him to make plays for his teammates, creating easy scoring opportunities as he often drew attention from multiple defenders.

In the first half, Knueppel led Duke offensively, scoring 14 points in the opening 20 minutes. His ability to create offense both for himself and his teammates helped Duke establish a lead early. He was a constant presence, cutting through the UNC defense with precision and making the right decisions when the ball was in his hands. Alongside him, Duke’s defense—anchored by another freshman standout, Cooper Flagg—held up well against a UNC offense that struggled to find rhythm early on.

Duke’s defense, in particular, was stifling. Flagg and Knueppel, both long and athletic, pressured the ball and disrupted passing lanes, forcing North Carolina into contested shots. The Blue Devils also did a solid job limiting Armando Bacot’s effectiveness in the post, as Flagg and Duke’s big men denied him easy looks around the rim. As a result, Duke went into halftime with a comfortable lead, up by 12 points, with Knueppel having established himself as the game’s primary offensive weapon.

North Carolina’s Fightback: A Comeback for the Ages

Despite the uphill battle they faced, North Carolina was far from finished. The second half began with the Tar Heels coming out with a renewed sense of urgency, knowing that their hopes for an ACC title depended on this game. UNC’s offense came alive as Caleb Love found his shooting touch, hitting back-to-back three-pointers to cut into Duke’s lead. On the defensive end, the Tar Heels were more aggressive, putting pressure on the ball and forcing Duke into turnovers that they quickly capitalized on in transition.

Bacot, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, began to impose his will on the game in the paint. His physicality and size were too much for Duke’s defense at times, and he was able to grab crucial offensive rebounds and convert putbacks. UNC’s defense, which had been porous in the first half, also improved, and they started to force the Blue Devils into contested shots. With a few quick runs, North Carolina trimmed Duke’s lead, and the momentum began to shift in favor of the Tar Heels.

The crowd, which had been loud and boisterous in support of Duke during the first half, now found itself on the edge of its seat as North Carolina inched closer. With just under five minutes left in the game, the Tar Heels had tied it up at 74-74, and it was clear that this was going to be a battle for the final moments.

Kon Knueppel’s Clutch Performance

With the game on the line and the pressure mounting, it was Kon Knueppel who stepped up when his team needed him most. Knueppel, who had already established himself as the game’s best player, refused to let Duke’s lead slip away. With the score tied at 74, Knueppel took over. First, he knocked down a tough mid-range jumper with just over three minutes remaining, giving Duke a two-point advantage. Then, on the next possession, he drove hard to the basket, drawing a foul and sinking both free throws to extend the lead to four.

North Carolina had one final chance to tie the game, but Duke’s defense, led by Knueppel and Flagg, was up to the task. The Tar Heels struggled to get an open look, and with less than 30 seconds left, Knueppel secured a crucial rebound, allowing Duke to run down the clock and seal the victory.

When the buzzer sounded, Duke had survived North Carolina’s comeback attempt, winning 81-78. Kon Knueppel finished the game with 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, and his performance was a key factor in Duke’s survival. His poise in the clutch, combined with his ability to score in multiple ways, had been the difference-maker in the game. In a rivalry where every moment counts, Knueppel’s ability to deliver in the final minutes solidified his place as a future star for the Blue Devils.

A Defining Moment for Kon Knueppel

This victory over North Carolina was more than just a win in the ACC Tournament—it was a defining moment for Kon Knueppel’s young career. As a freshman, he had already proven that he could perform on the biggest stage, and this game was a testament to his potential. Duke had been in a fight for much of the second half, but Knueppel’s ability to stay composed and perform under pressure was the difference.

For the Blue Devils, this win meant more than just advancing to the next round. It was a statement that they were ready to compete for a national title, with their freshman star leading the way. Knueppel’s performance against North Carolina proved that he could handle the pressure of big-time games, and it was clear that he would be a key player in Duke’s quest for March Madness glory.

Looking Ahead: Duke’s Path to the ACC Championship

With the victory over UNC, Duke advanced to the next round of the ACC Tournament, and the road to the championship was now wide open. The Blue Devils had proven that they could compete with anyone in the country, and with Knueppel leading the charge, they were one of the most dangerous teams in the field. The road ahead would feature tough competition, but if this game against North Carolina was any indication, Duke was primed to make a deep run in the tournament.

For North Carolina, the loss was a bitter one. They had fought valiantly to erase a sizable deficit but ultimately fell short in the final moments. Despite the defeat, the Tar Heels could take solace in the fact that they had shown resilience and fought hard until the end. With a talented roster led by Bacot, Love, and Davis, UNC would look to regroup and focus on their own path to March Madness.