Duke Knocks Off North Carolina, Advances To Championship

The two teams separated by just eight miles hit the hardwood for the third time this season but at a different venue not named Cameron Indoor Stadium or the Dean E. Smith Center instead the two blue-blooded rivals  hit the hardwood  at the Barclays Center in New York in the semifinals, where the NBA's Brooklyn Nets play Friday as Duke knocked off North Carolina 93-83  to advance to the ACC Championship.

Duke 26-8 had to rally like they did in their previous game against Louisville.

Freshman Jayson Tatum led the way for Duke improved to  26-8 while Luke Kennard had 20 points Grayson Allen contributed 18 off the bench for Duke. With the win, Duke takes 2-3  in the season series against rival North Carolina. Frank Jackson also contributed as he had 15 points. "according to http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22724&SPID=1845&DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=211517281

North Carolina meanwhile falls to 27-7 who was without Joel Berry for a stretch of ten minutes due to foul trouble. "according to http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22724&SPID=1845&DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=211517281

Kennedy Meeks scored 19 points and 12 rebounds to lead the way for North Carolina who dominated in the first half but fell apart in the second half while blowing a 13 point advantage. "according to http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22724&SPID=1845&DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=211517281

Duke returns to action Saturday night against the winner of Notre Dame/ Florida State. Tip-off is set for 9:00 pm. The game will be televised on ESPN/ ACC Network.

North Carolina meanwhile heads down south back to Chapel Hill awaiting selection Sunday.