Tar Heels to Face Duke in ACC Tournament Semifinals Friday Night

Carolina and Duke are set to meet for the third time in the last 42 days, marking their first encounter in the ACC Tournament since 2019. The highly anticipated semifinal game will take place on Friday night, with the winner advancing to Saturday’s championship match against either second-seeded Louisville or third-seeded Clemson (8:30 PM tip-off)

This game is part of the legendary "Tobacco Road" rivalry between the Blue Devils and the Tar Heels, now entering its 265th edition in the long history of their competition. The North Carolina Tar Heels (22-12, 15-7 ACC) will face a significant challenge against the top-ranked Duke Blue Devils (29-3), who, despite potentially missing their star player, remain strong favorites in this tournament.

Duke managed to apply early pressure on UNC in this game, scoring 15 unanswered points in the first half, showcasing their dominance from the start. This intense duel takes place at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, with tip-off scheduled for 7 PM ET.

Will Duke maintain their supremacy, or can North Carolina stage a comeback to secure a crucial victory? The answer will only be revealed on the court. For college basketball fans, this matchup is more than just a sporting event. It’s an opportunity to determine who reigns supreme among two of the most prestigious universities in the ACC region. Historically, both teams have created legendary moments that remain unforgettable, both on and off the court. This time, the stakes are even higher as a win in this tournament not only adds to their trophy collection but also boosts their chances for a better position in the upcoming NCAA tournament.

Looking at their regular-season performances, Duke appears to be slightly favored. However, basketball is always full of surprises, and North Carolina has the potential to stage an incredible comeback if they can capitalize on momentum effectively. Key players like Caleb Love and Armando Bacot from UNC, as well as Jeremy Roach and Kyle Filipowski from Duke, will be the main highlights of this game.


Meanwhile, fans from both sides are already preparing to witness this epic showdown. The rivalry between Carolina and Duke is about more than just basketball—it's about pride, tradition, and the competitive spirit that has endured for decades