North Carolina ran out to a 26-6 lead over rival Duke and was never really threatened as the Tar Heels end the regular season with an impressive 91-73 win on Senior Night. (3/6)
“I was pleased to win a game on Senior Day – it’s always extremely important to me,” UNC coach Roy Williams said. “We’re as happy as we can be.”
He was especially happy for the four seniors who started the game. One of them – Walker Miller – hasn’t played much this season after getting a lot of playing time last season. But Coach Williams credited him with setting the tone early as he drew a charge in the first minute – firing up the team and the 3,200 fans allowed in the Smith Center.
Normally only one of the senior starts – Garrison Brooks – and he scored 14 points including a pair of three pointers from the big guy.
Brooks, who injured an ankle after scoring the first points of the game, highlighted a 15-2 run early with a three-point swish from the corner, right in front of the Duke bench, as the shot clock expired.
That run put the Heels in command at 26-6 midway through the first half.
“Roy had his team really prepared,” Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said. “I think Senior Night contributed and the fans were great.”
He said Carolina’s high level of intensity translated to outstanding defense that knocked his team back a bit.
“They were excellent and we weren’t very good and that’s on me,” Coach K said. “They are a well-rounded team that keeps coming at you with fresh players.”
Carolina extended its led to 22 at 40-18 after a 7-0 run which was composed of a Kerwin Walton cross-over move three-pointer, a Caleb Love jumper in the lane and a Brooks bank shot.
Up by 16 at the half, Carolina never saw its lead dip below 13 points. After a Matthew Hurt three from the top of the key cut the margin to 14 at 54-40, the Tar Heels went on a 12-2 run that quelled any hopes the Blue Devils had of coming back. A Brooks three, also from the top of the key, gave UNC its largest lead of the game at 66-42 with just over 10 minutes to play.
The Tar Heels hit 55 percent of its field goals, including eight of 18 beyond the arc, and hit 21 of 26 free throws.
While Coach K credited Carolina defense, Coach Williams said Duke helped his team out by missing some shots they’d normally hit. “They are a better three-point shooting team than us and they were just five of 27 from three,” Coach Williams said.
Walton hit four threes himself for Carolina on his way to 18 points. Armando Bacot, who was six of seven from the foul line, and Caleb Love, who had a game-high seven assists, also scored 18 for the Tar Heels.
Duke, led by Mark Williams’ 18 points, falls to 11-11 overall and 9-9 in the ACC and probably must win the ACC tournament or be in the finale to have a chance of making the NCAA Tournament.
North Carolina improves to 16-9 overall and 10-6 in the ACC. The Tar Heels, who get a bye as the six seed in the tournament, is now guaranteed a spot in the NCAA Tournament but can improve their seeding, which currently figures to be a 10th seed.
For a box score and more on the game, please click here.