Credit: Jacob Kupferman Getty Images
The Duke-UNC rivalry produced yet again another classic, with a dramatic comeback, and an ending that left UNC fans heartbroken. With a trip to the ACC Championship game on the line and possibly an NCAA tournament berth, UNC erased a massive deficit, only to fall short in heartbreaking fashion after a crucial free throw lane violation with five seconds remaining.
Duke entered the game shorthanded, missing key players Cooper Flagg and Malik Brown forcing Duke coach Jon Scheyer to use some of the teams depth. Despite missing arguably the teams two best players the Blue Devils controlled the game early, stifling UNC’s offense. Their aggressive defense and efficient execution helped them build what looked like an insurmountable lead.
UNC refused to go away. Midway through the second half, the Tar Heels came alive, igniting a rally behind suffocating defense and attacking the paint. They forced turnovers, dominated the glass, and chipped away at Duke’s lead.
With under 6 seconds to go UNC had a chance to finish the comeback with Ven-Allen Lubin heading to the free throw line down one. Lubin missed the first one, leaving him with a crucial free throw to tie the game. Lubin sunk the second free throw only to have it nullified by a Jae’Lyn Withers lane violation potentially ending the Tar Heels season, depending on how the comity looks at this loss.
Kon Knueppel was then fouled, hit two free throws and put the Tar Heels to bed.
It will be a long 48 hours for a UNC team and fanbase that awaits the fate of there season on selection Sunday.
