Everyone who is a part of the Duke – UNC rivalry from the players, to the coaches to the fans knows that rankings mean very little.
We know going into these games that generally it’s going to be competitive and probably comedown to the last few minutes. UNC came into this game leading the ACC by a game over Florida State. Duke has been on a steady climb to try work their way back into the fray and riding a 3 game winning streak. The clash of the ACC blue bloods did not disappoint. In from of former Duke greats like Christian Laettner, J.J. Redick and Danny Ferry Duke would prevail 86.78
The game was a back and forth affair with Duke and UNC trading leads throughout the game but after a 66 all tie Duke started to assert themselves on both ends of the floor. UNC was paced by Justin Jackson who scored 21 points on 8 of 13 shooting. Jackson had 5 rebounds and along with Joel Berry carried the UNC offense. Duke used an offensive 3-headed monster with Grayson Allen having a god level game with 25 points off of 9 of 15 shooting and 7-12 from 3 point range before fouling out late in the second half.
UNC came in with the reputation for rebounding and transition buckets, neither of which played a huge role. Duke actually ended the game with a 1 rebound advantage.
Both teams shot well from the field with UNC shooting 52.5% and Duke 52.6% where UNC fell short is from beyond the arc (33.3%) while Duke lit it up from 3 point range (48.1%). UNC also will kick themselves with their 8 misses from the free throw line while Duke shot 81.3%.
Duke moves up in the ACC standings now only 1.5 games out of first place with Clemson next up at Cameron.
