Duke Defeats North Carolina 74-71 in ACC Tournament Semifinals.
Game Overview:
In one of the most anticipated matchups of the 2025 ACC Tournament, the Duke Blue Devils edged out the North Carolina Tar Heels 74-71 in a thrilling semifinal game at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The victory propels Duke to the ACC Championship Game, where they will face Louisville.This intense battle between two of college basketball’s most storied programs came down to the final seconds, with key plays, a controversial lane violation, and clutch shooting making the difference.
Key Highlights and Turning Points
1.Clutch Three-Pointer by Jeremy Roach
With 15 seconds remaining, Duke’s senior guard Jeremy Roach knocked down a deep three-pointer, giving Duke a 72-71 lead.
North Carolina had a chance to take back the lead, but a crucial mistake cost them the game.
2. Controversial Lane Violation on Jae’Lyn Withers (UNC)
After Roach’s three, UNC’s RJ Davis was fouled and sent to the free-throw line with a chance to tie or win the game.
Davis made the first free throw (making it 72-72), but on his second attempt, Jae’Lyn Withers stepped into the lane too early.
The violation negated the free throw, keeping Duke ahead by one point.
3. Filipowski’s Free Throws Seal the Win
With five seconds left, Duke’s Kyle Filipowski was fouled and made both free throws, extending the lead to 74-71.
UNC had a final possession, but RJ Davis’ last-second three-point attempt missed, securing the Duke victory.
Player Performances-Player Team Points Rebounds Assists
Kyle Filipowski Duke 22 9 3
Jeremy Roach Duke 17 4 5
RJ Davis UNC 20 3 4
Armando Bacot UNC 16 10 2
Kyle Filipowski (Duke): The sophomore dominated inside, scoring 22 points and grabbing 9 rebounds.
RJ Davis (UNC): Despite 20 points, his costly lane violation and missed three at the buzzer hurt UNC’s chances.
Jeremy Roach (Duke): His game-winning three-pointer was the defining moment of the game.
Impact and What’s Next?
For Duke:
The Blue Devils advance to the ACC Championship Game against Louisville.
Concerns: Duke star freshman Cooper Flagg was out due to injury; his status for the final remains uncertain.
Duke is projected as a No. 2 seed for the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
For North Carolina:
Despite the loss, UNC is still expected to be a high seed (likely a No. 2 or No. 3 seed) in the NCAA Tournament.
RJ Davis and Armando Bacot will need to regroup as the Tar Heels prepare for March Madness.
Final Thoughts
This classic Duke-UNC showdown lived up to the hype, with late-game heroics and controversy adding to the rivalry’s storied history. Duke now has a chance to win the ACC Tournament title, while UNC will regroup and focus on their NCAA Tournament run.
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Defeats North Carolina 74-71 in ACC Tournament Semifinal
Game Overview
In one of the most anticipated matchups of the 2025 ACC Tournament, the Duke Blue Devils edged out the North Carolina Tar Heels 74-71 in a thrilling semifinal game at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The victory propels Duke to the ACC Championship Game, where they will face Louisville.
This intense battle between two of college basketball’s most storied programs came down to the final seconds, with key plays, a controversial lane violation, and clutch shooting making the difference.
Key Highlights and Turning Points
1. Clutch Three-Pointer by Jeremy Roach With 15 seconds remaining, Duke’s senior guard Jeremy Roach knocked down a deep three-pointer, giving Duke a 72-71 lead.North Carolina had a chance to take back the lead, but a crucial mistake cost them the game.
2. Controversial Lane Violation on Jae’Lyn Withers (UNC)
After Roach’s three, UNC’s RJ Davis was fouled and sent to the free-throw line with a chance to tie or win the game.Davis made the first free throw (making it 72-72), but on his second attempt, Jae’Lyn Withers stepped into the lane too early.The violation negated the free throw, keeping Duke ahead by one point.
3. Filipowski’s Free Throws Seal the Win
With five seconds left, Duke’s Kyle Filipowski was fouled and made both free throws, extending the lead to 74-71.UNC had a final possession, but RJ Davis’ last-second three-point attempt missed, securing the Duke victory.
Player Performances
Player Team Points Rebounds Assists
Kyle Filipowski Duke 22 9 3
Jeremy Roach Duke 17 4 5
RJ Davis UNC 20 3 4
Armando Bacot UNC 16 10 2
Kyle Filipowski (Duke): The sophomore dominated inside, scoring 22 points and grabbing 9 rebounds.
RJ Davis (UNC): Despite 20 points, his costly lane violation and missed three at the buzzer hurt UNC’s chances.
Jeremy Roach (Duke): His game-winning three-pointer was the defining moment of the game.
Impact and What’s Next?
For Duke:
The Blue Devils advance to the ACC Championship Game against Louisville.
Concerns: Duke star freshman Cooper Flagg was out due to injury; his status for the final remains uncertain.
Duke is projected as a No. 2 seed for the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
For North Carolina:
Despite the loss, UNC is still expected to be a high seed (likely a No. 2 or No. 3 seed) in the NCAA Tournament.
RJ Davis and Armando Bacot will need to regroup as the Tar Heels prepare for March Madness.
Final Thoughts:
the classic Duke-UNC showdown lived up to the hype, with late-game heroics and controversy adding to the rivalry’s storied history. Duke now has a chance to win the ACC Tournament title, while UNC will regroup and focus on their NCAA Tournament run.
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