CHAPEL HILL, NC – North Carolina ended its regular season Saturday night with a rare rival trifta, concluding its NCAA Tournament invitation with an exciting 91-73 Senior Night victory, while Duke’s post-season discussion in Indianapolis except cancel.
UNC’s 18-point victory was the biggest against Duke since an 88-70 victory at Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 3, 2012.
The Tar Heels (16-9, 10-6 ACC) copied their offensive game plan of victory in Durham four weeks ago, adding a defensive splash and scoring at will inside and out, while the Blue Devils (11-11, 9 – 9 ACC) to determine any offensive rhythm on the other hand. UNC built up a 26-6 lead halfway through the first half by applying 11 of its first 16 field goal attempts (3-of-4 3FG) and holding Duke to 3-of-14 shooting and six turnovers.
UNC’s 42-26 halftime lead was the second biggest of the season and the biggest against Duke in nine years. The Blue Devils reduced their deficit to 44-31 with 18:27 to play before the margin swelled to 24 points with 10:07 left.
The tar heels shot 55.4% while the Blue Devils rose to 40.6%. UNC scored 16 points from 15 turnover and Duke tipped with 23 points from 20 turnover. The home team surpassed its rival, 38-31. UNC closed out its home side with a 10-1 record, including a 7-0 score in ACC play.
Size Advantage Low Low
Duke’s improvised zone has been in place for the past few weeks with the addition of 7-footer Mark Williams to the starting lineup. However, the Tar Heel court found the point of undermining Mike Krzyzewski’s defense plan by scoring UNC’s first 11 points and 26 of his first 42 points.
Armando Bacot scored his second consecutive strong performance, scoring 18 points on 6-of-10 shooting and tackling six rebounds. Garrison Brooks added 14 points to 6-out-9 shooting, making a new career high with a few three-pointers.
Bombs away
If only the Tar Heels players could play against the Blue Devils more often. Four weeks after the season’s highs in the three-point (10) and 3-point field goal percentage (66.7%) at the Cameron Indoor Stadium were set or tied, UNC were again on 8-out-18 on Saturday long-distance efforts.
Kerwin Walton scored 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including a 4-of-7 shot from deep. This is a positive turn for the first-year guard, who has made 5-of-24 3-points in his previous three games.
Caleb Love also scored 18 points on 6-of-12 shooting (2-of-6 3FG).
Senior Night Tribute
UNC seniors Andrew Platek, KJ Smith, Walker Miller honored with Brooks during a pre-match with their family members in the stands. Redshirt junior Sterling Manley, who played for the first time in two years, was also recognized as a member of the 2017 signing class.
Although all four seniors are eligible for a super senior season after an NCAA exception due to COVID-19, Roy Williams told reporters Friday that any talks will take place over an additional year after the season.
Highlight Play
This is tough @__garro ??
?? @espn – https://t.co/SoKalgIMMX #CarolinaFamilie pic.twitter.com/yBJeYNjHfR
– Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) 6 March 2021
Rivalry Sweep
The Tar Heels have swept the Blue Devils season series for the second time in 12 years.
Following
UNC reached the ACC tournament’s number 6 series and starts on Wednesday (21:00 / ACCN) at the Greensboro Coliseum after the season. The Tar Heels will be the winner of No.11 and 11 Wake Forest.