Duke holds on for wild win as costly lane violation dooms UNC’s comeback

Duke entered Friday to play an ACC Tournament semifinal matchup vs. archrival North Carolina without sensation Cooper Flagg in the lineup. In spite of Flagg’s absence, the Blue Devils tried to run away with this one in the 2nd half.

At one point, Duke had a 15-0 run and built its lead all the way to 24 points with 17 minutes left in the game. However, UNC did not relent, and the Tar Heels came all the way back with a chance to tie the game late.

With 32 seconds left, North Carolina closed the deficit all the way to 72-71, and the Tar Heels sent Duke’s Tyrese Proctor to the free-throw line for a 1-and-1 to try and extend the contest. Proctor missed the front end, giving the Tar Heels a chance to try for the win.

UNC eventually got the ball to Ven-Allen Lubin in the post, and Lubin’s shot with 4 seconds left was no good. He was, however, fouled by Khaman Maluach and went to the line for 2 free throws.

Lubin missed the first but his 2nd shot was pure and would have tied the game at 72-all. There was just one problem: Jae’lyn Withers was whistled for a lane violation, and replays showed Withers stepped into the lane before Lubin released his shot, wiping away the make and giving Duke the ball.

In the aftermath, Kon Knueppel drained 2 free throws and UNC would miss a wild heave at the buzzer as Duke held on, 74-71, for the win.

With the win, Duke will advance to face the winner of Clemson vs. Louisville in Saturday’s ACC Tournament Championship. The winner will secure the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament while the Blue Devils are trying to stay in the running for the No. 1 overall seed in March Madness.

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.