Duke Storms Past North Carolina 89-78 in ACC Tournament Semifinal Behind Cooper Flaggs 28 Points

Cooper Flagg delivered a performance for the ages on Friday night at the Greensboro Coliseum, scoring 28 points and grabbing 12 rebounds to lead Duke to a convincing 89-78 victory over North Carolina in the ACC Tournament semifinals. The highly anticipated Tobacco Road rivalry clash lived up to its billing early, but Flaggs dominance in the second half ultimately proved to be the difference as the Blue Devils advanced to Saturdays championship game against Virginia.

The 6-foot-9 freshman was spectacular from the opening tip, showcasing the complete skill set that made him the most coveted recruit in the Class of 2024. Flagg shot 11-of-18 from the field, including 4-of-7 from three-point range, while also dishing out 6 assists and playing lockdown defense against North Carolinas talented frontcourt. His performance in the games final 10 minutes was particularly impressive, as he scored 12 points during a crucial stretch that turned a tight 68-65 game into a comfortable Duke advantage.

North Carolina entered the contest with momentum following their upset victory over top-seeded Miami in the quarterfinals, but struggled to contain Dukes balanced offensive attack throughout the evening. The Tar Heels were led by senior guard RJ Davis, who finished with 24 points on efficient shooting, but received limited support from their supporting cast when it mattered most. Coach Hubert Davis expressed frustration with his teams defensive execution, particularly their inability to limit Flaggs impact in transition and on the offensive glass.

The victory represents a significant boost for Dukes NCAA Tournament seeding hopes, as the Blue Devils entered the week firmly on the bubble despite their talented roster. Coach Jon Scheyer has done an excellent job integrating Flagg and other newcomers into the program, creating a cohesive unit that has improved dramatically over the course of the season. The teams chemistry has been evident during their current four-game winning streak, which began with a crucial road victory over Syracuse last week.

Flaggs emergence as one of college basketballs premier players has been the primary storyline for Duke throughout the season, but his supporting cast also deserves credit for stepping up in crucial moments. Junior forward Mark Mitchell contributed 18 points and 8 rebounds, while sophomore guard Tyrese Proctor added 15 points and 7 assists in an efficient floor game that allowed Flagg to operate with maximum effectiveness on both ends of the court.

Saturdays ACC Championship game against Virginia will provide Duke with an opportunity to claim their first conference tournament title since 2019, while also cementing their status as a legitimate threat in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Flaggs continued development and the teams improved defensive intensity have created optimism among Blue Devils fans that this could be the beginning of a special March run that brings another championship banner to Cameron Indoor Stadium. The winner of the ACC Tournament receives an automatic bid to the Big Dance, making Saturdays final a must-win game for both programs championship aspirations.