DURHAM, N.C. — Duke’s newcomers made a significant impact in their latest rivalry clash against North Carolina. The storied matchup, which historically captures attention, quickly lost its excitement on Saturday as the second-ranked Blue Devils showcased their dominance, overpowering the Tar Heels with an eventual score of 87-70. This victory not only underscored Duke’s elite caliber but also raised concerns about North Carolina’s path as they look to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Freshman sensation Cooper Flagg, a highly regarded prospect anticipated to be the top pick in the upcoming NBA draft, shone brightly alongside fellow rookie Kon Knueppel. The 6-foot-9 Flagg contributed substantially with 21 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and two blocks, while Knueppel led all scorers with an impressive 22 points. Both showed remarkable composure despite this being their first experience in such a fierce rivalry, a game that was nearly decided by halftime.
“Duke came out ready and executed their plan, showcasing what they are capable of,” Flagg remarked after the game. The Blue Devils quickly took control with a stunning 16-0 run within the first seven minutes. They further extended their lead to 40-13 at one point, and by the second half, they held a commanding 32-point advantage. This early dominance stripped the game of any anticipated drama, leaving the Tar Heels floundering by comparison.
UNC guard Seth Trimble candidly assessed the defeat, stating, “They completely outplayed us right from the beginning.” The momentum from previous matchups, which had included significant triumphs for both teams in recent years, was absent this time, marking a stark contrast to more thrilling encounters that have defined the rivalry.
There was a sense of nostalgia for memorable moments, such as Austin Rivers’ game-winning buzzer shot in Chapel Hill in 2012, and the captivating contests between legendary coaches Mike Krzyzewski and Roy Williams. Last year’s matchups saw both teams come away with a victory, yet this latest encounter held no such excitement.
The Blue Devils displayed remarkable offensive efficiency, scoring an impressive nearly 1.5 points per possession and leveraging their defensive strengths against a struggling Tar Heels lineup. Duke’s ability to switch defensively forced UNC to initiate plays well beyond the perimeter, emphasizing their less potent offensive strategies.
Coaching from the bench, Jon Scheyer, also familiar with the rivalry from his playing days, commented on the charged atmosphere. “The intensity is always there. You know a great crowd will show up,” he said. “It’s crucial for the team to maintain focus and edge throughout the game.”
Duke’s teamwork was evident as Flagg adeptly set up teammates with precise passing, while Knueppel balanced shooting from the outside and attacking the basket. Junior Tyrese Proctor also contributed effectively, ending a two-game shooting slump with 17 points. Duke finished the game with a commendable 23 deflections, indicating a season-best defensive effort.
On the flip side, North Carolina struggled significantly in the first half, ending with more turnovers (nine) than field goals (eight). This disappointing performance has been a growing trend for a team that began the season ranked ninth in the AP Top 25, now facing challenges with four losses in their last five games. Their sole victory during this stretch came against a Boston College team with only one conference win.
Despite the setback, North Carolina’s coach Hubert Davis insisted on resilience, stating, “While we feel down, we must regroup and focus on improving. We aspire to reclaim our form.” The team’s next challenge will be a pivotal rematch in Chapel Hill on March 8, where they aim to redeem themselves and revive their season prospects.
