Big second half propels Duke over North Carolina
The North Carolina Tar Heels hung with the Duke Blue Devils for 20 minutes of Saturday's game. But after that, it was all Blue Devils. Duke outscored UNC 37-27 in the second half to beat the Tar Heels 76-61.
That effort was led by 26 points from Cameron Boozer and 19 points by Maliq Brown who got the start over Patrick Ngongba. The duo led the way to beat the Tar Heels and improve to 29-2 on the year. For UNC, they fall to 24-7 on the year but will be the fourth seed in the ACC Tournament.
This was the seventh game for UNC without Caleb Wilson who was lost for the season due to a broken thumb. UNC is now 5-2 without Wilson this season. Derek Dixon led the way with 17 points for the Tar Heels while Henri Veesaar had 9 points.
After Duke jumped out to an early lead, the Tar Heels battled back in the first half. UNC went on a 8-0 run late in the first half to cut the lead down to 35-32. But Boozer went on a 4-0 run himself to extend the lead. UNC cut it 39-34 at halftime.
But after that, it was all Blue Devils. They went on a 16-0 run to really open the game up and get the win.
FINAL: Duke 76, UNC 61
The Blue Devils dominate the second half and end the season with a win over UNC.
Duke goes on a run
Duke is on a 16-0. They lead 65-46
Duke responds
The Blue Devils are in control. They lead 58-44 with 13:14 left in the game. UNC needs to go on a run.
UNC cuts into the lead
The Tar Heels cut it down to 47-44 early in the second half.
Halftime: Duke 39, UNC 34
After UNC went on a 8-0 run, the Blue Devils answered with a 4-0 run of their own.
Unc cuts it to 3
The Tar Heels go on a run. They have cut the lead to 3 with under two minutes to.
Duke leads at under 8
The Blue Devils have a 24-15 lead at the under-8 timeout.
Turnovers are killing North Carolina
UNC has now turned the ball over five times in the game. Duke is making them pay as they open up a 24-13 lead.
Both teams struggling from three
Each team has just one made three-pointer in the game. UNC is 1-of-3, Duke is 1-of-7.
UNC doubling Cam Boozer
Every time Boozer gets the ball, UNC is sending another guy at him. The problem? Boozer is a good passer and is finding the open man.
Duke struggling early but has lead
The Blue Devils are 2-of-7 from the field but they lead 4-3 early.
Patrick Ngongba II is a game-time decision
Caleb Wilson on court as Tar Heels warm up
He won't be playing tonight, but Caleb Wilson is on the court for shootaround as we are under an hour until tipoff.
What you need to know
TV Channel: ESPN
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Radio: SiriusXM (Channel 193)
Website: WatchESPN
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball: Duke's big second half beats Tar Heels
