Duke Rallies Past UNC 74-71 in Charlotte Thriller, Eyes ACC Crown

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Duke unleashed a devastating 15-0 run in the first half, surging from a 30-24 lead to a commanding 45-24 halftime advantage over North Carolina, the Tar Heels' largest deficit since their earlier Durham clash. The No. 1 Blue Devils (30-3, 19-1 ACC) tip off at 7 p.m. Friday at Spectrum Center, dominating the paint and perimeter to build momentum in their 10th consecutive victory and 26th win in 27 games.

North Carolina (22-13, 13-7 ACC) mounted a desperate second-half rally, clawing back to within one point in the final minute, but Duke held firm for the 74-71 edge. Highlights show the Tar Heels' late surge falling just short in the ESPN-televised thriller, avenging an earlier season loss. The rivalry, one of college basketball's fiercest, drew massive local crowds to uptown Charlotte.

Duke now eyes the ACC Tournament championship Saturday night at Spectrum Center, a showcase of North Carolina hoops supremacy. For UNC, the semifinal heartbreak ends a gritty tournament run, shifting focus to postseason implications amid the state's basketball heartland.