In a thrilling chapter of college basketball, the No. 2 Duke Blue Devils showcased their prowess against long-time rival North Carolina, clinching a decisive 87-70 victory after leading by as much as 32 points. This marked a historic debut for freshman star Cooper Flagg, who displayed his all-around skills with 21 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.

Fellow freshman Kon Knueppel contributed significantly, netting 22 points for the Blue Devils, who improved their record to 19-2 overall and 11-0 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Duke's accuracy was a key factor, as they shot an impressive 52.8% from the field, including a solid 50% from beyond the arc, sinking 10 of 20 three-point attempts.

Game Highlights

• The Tar Heels, unfortunately, fell to a record of 13-10 and 6-5 in conference play, struggling with turnovers and shooting. They managed only nine turnovers compared to their field goals in a dismal first half, finishing at 29.6% shooting.
• The momentum swung heavily in Duke's favor early in the game with a 16-0 scoring run, effectively putting UNC on the back foot. This period included standout moments such as Tyrese Proctor's three-pointer, a dunk following a turnover, and Flagg’s quick catch-and-shoot three that forced UNC into a timeout.
• The Blue Devils dominated the fast break and capitalized on the Tar Heels’ mistakes, translating 11 points from turnovers. This dominance was reflected in the defensive intensity that coach Jon Scheyer has instilled in the squad.

Key Takeaways

• For North Carolina, the loss extended their struggles, with the team winning just one of their last five games, a narrow overtime victory against Boston College.
• Duke, on the other hand, has been on a formidable run, winning their 15th straight game with a remarkable average margin of 19.8 points across their ACC contests.

What's Next?

The Blue Devils are set to visit Syracuse on Wednesday, looking to continue their undefeated run in conference play. Meanwhile, the Tar Heels will host the Pittsburgh Panthers on Saturday, a critical matchup that could bolster their NCAA Tournament hopes.

This clash between the programs not only added to the storied rivalry but also highlighted the impressive depth and talent of Duke's roster, setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the season.