North Carolina spoiled Mike Krzyzewski’s last game at Cameron Indoor Stadium with a 94-81 win in the college basketball’s most intense rivalry. Saturday’s game with more than 90 former Duke players in attendance, was supposed to be a commemoration of the 42nd and final regular-season of Krzyzewski’s career.
From the start, R.J. Davis and the Tar Heels played exactly like their tournament chances depended on it. Davis used ball screens to get to the paint for 12 points in the first half.
A 14-0 run for the Blue Devils down the stretch for a lead of 37-28, contrasted a slow start offensively. Armando Bacot’s foul trouble necessitated him being periodically benched. It hurt the Tar Heels chances to score and get second chances on the glass. Bacot eventually broke the team’s scoring drought at 2:48. Back-to-back three-pointers by Brady Manek and Davis closed the half with Duke leading 41-39.
Carolina shut the door on any conversations about their status as a bubble team in the second half. They went on a 9-0 run to go up 65-61 while Duke struggled with their shot selection. Davis was quiet to start the second half but eventually matched his first-half intensity. He punished the defense with a three when left wide open from the right-wing. Davis’ underhand layup extended the lead to 77-71. Duke couldn’t get within striking distance and Manek’s three from a Davis assist at the 2:37 mark was the dagger. Manek led Carolina with 11 rebounds, went 5-10 on threes, and scored 20 points. Bacot was sensational offensively, going 10-11 from the field with 23 points, two blocks, and two steals.
A postgame ceremony recognized Krzyzewski and his family. He was stern about being disappointed for the letdown but acknowledged that the season wasn’t over. After getting up to speak a second time, Krzyzewski complimented his dedicated family. “They love me and I love them. You don’t do this without that level of support.”
The Blue Devils (26-5) won’t play again until the ACC Tournament Quarterfinals at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn next Thursday. The potential for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament is nearly impossible because of Saturday’s loss. Carolina (23-8) is locked into the No. 3 seed and also squares off next Thursday.
