They say a rivalry is defined by its greatest moments. North Carolina added a legendary new chapter to its longtime rivalry history with Duke on Saturday night. Not only are the Tar Heels heading to the championship; they sent Coach K out with a loss in his final game.
The Tar Heels are heading to the national championship game vs. Kansas after downing No. 2 seed Duke 81-77 in the Final Four. It was an absolute thriller and will long be remembered as one of the best, if not the best, games in the rivalry’s history.
Missed free throws by two Duke players proved to be a major momentum shift in favor of the Tar Heels. Blue Devils center Mark Williams missed two free throws with 45 seconds left to keep the score at 75-74, in favor of North Carolina. Tar Heels star Caleb Love drained a three in Williams’ face just moments later. It proved to be the dagger.
Duke’s Trevor Keels went one of two from the line with 10 seconds left, Caleb Love hit both of his free throws with seven seconds left to make it a two-possession game and the rest is history. North Carolina is heading to the championship where it will face Kansas. A stunning finish to an incredible game.
We’re going to the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) April 3, 2022
Naturally, college basketball fans can’t even believe it. Reactions are pouring in.
Stunning. 2 months ago, North Carolina lost to Duke by 20 points at home.. last month they beat Coach K in his final home game.. tonight, North Carolina ends K’s career in the Final Four. Remarkable work by Hubert Davis and his team. Incredible game tonight.
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) April 3, 2022
North Carolina has one upped Duke for eternity.
And there is absolutely NOTHING that the Blue Devils will EVER be able to do about it.
The Tar Heels are heading to MONDAY NIGHT.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 3, 2022
North Carolina as an 8th seed is now tied for the lowest seed ever to reach the National Championship.
What a run for the Heels.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 3, 2022
It’s the end of the road, meanwhile, for Coach K.
A run to the Final Four in his last season will be remembered. However, losing to North Carolina on the biggest stage is going to sting forever.
Coach K looks PISSED.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 3, 2022
UNC SPOILS COACH K’S FAREWELL … AGAIN 😳 pic.twitter.com/4ffNiCSafe
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 3, 2022
North Carolina handed Coach K his first ever loss as Duke’s head coach back in 1980.
It also handed Coach K a loss in his final game at Cameron Indoor.
It also defeated Coach K in his final game as Duke’s head coach.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 3, 2022
People are going to be talking about Saturday night’s Duke vs. UNC Final Four for a long, long time. The all-time classic was as good as it gets.
North Carolina will battle Kansas in the title game on Monday night.
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