by Tyler Thompson
Going into the Final Four Game, the all-time series between UNC and Duke during Coach K’s (Mike Krzyzewski) coaching career was 49-50 in Duke’s favor. Coach K had recently lost to UNC in his final home game.
“I am sorry about this afternoon,” Coach K said after the final home game, “this was unacceptable.”
All of this history created a very competitive environment for what would be Mike Kryzewski’s final game as Duke’s basketball coach. This should have been Duke’s revenge game for UNC defeating Duke in Coach K’s final home game. Unfortunately for Duke, Carolina doubled down and defeated Duke 81-77.
Final Four games are a big deal regardless, but even more so with what was on the line. UNC had the chance to send their biggest rival packing and tie the all time record versus Duke under Coach K to 50 wins a piece.
In the first half, Duke outscored UNC 41-39. In the second half, UNC outscored Duke by 15. The game was close all the way until the end. Duke was ahead of UNC at one point within 1:20 remaining in the game. UNC then went up, and in the final seconds, Duke had one last opportunity to tie the game. Duke’s Keels tried to drive in for a lay-up, which he made, but it did not count. He had been fouled before he could shoot. Keels then made 1 of 2 free throws. He missed the second and Carolina was able to get the rebound. Carolina’s Caleb Love got the ball and then was fouled. Love then made both free throws to make it a four point game. Duke then missed their final shot.
UNC had once again sent Duke packing. Armando Bacot led the Tar Heels in points with 23 closely followed by Caleb Love, R.J. Davis, and Brady Manek with 22, 21, and 20, respectively. Paolo Banchero led the Blue Devils with 23 points.
Although Carolina would go on to lose in the finals, this game still holds great significance. The biggest rivalry in college basketball was settled for this season. UNC came out on top.
Even though Coach K is retiring after a legendary career with 5 national championship wins, and 1,2002 wins. He also boasts 3 gold medals as the coach of the US Olympics Men’s team. He is an absolute legend in basketball. Hopefully, even in his absence, the greatest rivalry in college basketball will continue and we will see years of great basketball between UNC and Duke.
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