Duke Overpowers UNC Despite Injuries, Secures Second-Half Victory

Emerson Raymont

Published: March 7, 2026 9:50 PM ET

Duke Overpowers UNC Despite Injuries, Secures Second-Half Victory

In a highly anticipated matchup, No. 1 Duke overcame significant challenges to secure a 76-61 victory over No. 17 North Carolina at Cameron Indoor Stadium. This game marked the regular-season finale for both teams, highlighting Duke’s resilience despite injuries. The Blue Devils are projected as a top contender for the NCAA Tournament.

Duke’s Dominance in the Second Half

Even without two key starters, Duke demonstrated their strength, particularly in the second half. The Blue Devils initially led 39-34 at halftime. Following a close start to the second half, Duke launched a remarkable 30-6 run, decisively sealing their win.

Player Highlights

Cameron Boozer: Recorded 26 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists.
Maliq Brown: Contributed 15 points, nine rebounds, and five steals, significantly impacting the game’s outcome.

Coach Jon Scheyer praised Brown for his defensive capabilities, referring to him as a vital component of the team’s success. Brown, a seasoned player with a history of excellence in defense, showcased his abilities throughout the game.

Injury Concerns for Duke

Despite the victory, Duke’s concerns loom regarding the health of two key players. Starting center Patrick Ngongba missed the game entirely, while point guard Caleb Foster suffered an injury during the first half. Both athletes were seen wearing walking boots during the second half, raising questions about their availability for upcoming games.

North Carolina’s Struggles

North Carolina faced significant obstacles as well, playing without star freshman Caleb Wilson. Wilson recently suffered a broken right thumb while recovering from a previous hand injury. He was sidelined and could not help his team in their quest for a regular-season sweep over Duke.

Upcoming Tournaments

Duke concluded the regular season with an impressive 28-2 record and secured the No. 1 seed for the upcoming ACC Tournament. North Carolina finished with a record of 24-6, claiming the No. 4 seed. This positioning sets the stage for a potential third meeting between the two rivals in the tournament’s semifinals.

As both teams prepare for the challenge ahead, fans can expect an exciting postseason. The full ACC Tournament schedule is available for those interested in following the teams’ progress.