Pandemonium struck the Dean Dome on Saturday night as soon as the last buzzer sounded.
With a 93-84 victory, UNC extended its lead in the ACC to two games by essentially dominating Duke from the first tip. In addition to Harrison Ingram’s double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds, Armando Bacot had a career night, tying his season high with 25 points and 10 rebounds.
By taking good care of the ball and capitalising on the Blue Devils’ careless ball handling, North Carolina was able to create an 8-point lead at the half and score 10 points off turnovers. Big man Kyle Filipowski of Duke was frustrated by the Tar Heel defence, which also kept the Blue Devils from ever finding a rhythm.
It’s customary to rush Franklin Street every year after UNC defeats Duke. Recent years have seen an increase in it; the Final Four victory and Coach K’s last game at Cameron Indoor serve as two instances. Rushing Franklin Street is the ideal postgame custom, especially since the Dean Dome is easily accessible by foot from Chapel Hill’s downtown.
On Saturday, March 9, North Carolina and Duke will square off once more. Then, will there be another rush to the pavement?
