Atlantic Coast
Duke-UNC renew rivalry in ACC semis (Mar 10, 2017)
Atlantic Coast

Duke-UNC renew rivalry in ACC semis (Mar 10, 2017)

Published Mar. 9, 2017 8:49 p.m. ET

NEW YORK -- Although the Duke-North Carolina rivalry will be played 500 miles from Tobacco Road in the ACC Tournament at the Barclays Center on Friday, Mike Krzyzewski said don't expect the intensity on the court and in the stands to be anything different

"They're a great program," the Duke coach said of the Tar Heels. "We're a great program. We're two of the great programs. We're accustomed, they're accustomed to playing in buildings that have a lot of energy, for or against them. That's why the kids go to those schools is to be in those moments, to be in a moment like today.

"So to be in that moment tomorrow, the people who were in the stands, they have a chance to enjoy that because those moments don't happen all the time. Our two programs have created a lot of them."

It will only be the fifth time the schools have met outside of their home state. They played in Atlanta in 1929, 1989 and in 2001, and in New York City in 1971.

ADVERTISEMENT

The two storied programs will meet for the 21st time in the ACC Tournament in the semifinal matchup. The Blue Devils (24-8), ranked 14th and seeded fifth, advanced with an 81-77 win over 10th ranked Louisville, the fourth seed.

Duke is attempting to win its first tournament title since 2011. To do so it would have to win four games in four days -- a feat never accomplished in this tournament.

Top seeded and No. 6 North Carolina (27-6) dispatched Miami, 78-53, in the quarterfinals. It marked the seventh time this season the Tar Heels shot 50 percent in both halves. The Tar Heels are in search of their 19th ACC Tournament title.

"The bottom line is we're going to play two Final Four caliber teams in a row in 24 hours," Krzyzewski said. "I mean, Louisville and North Carolina are Final Four caliber teams. We just played them, had a great game. If we're fresh enough, I think it will be a great game."

Krzyzewski's squad is halfway there, having eliminated Clemson 79-72 in the second round on Wednesday, then disposing of Louisville in a game they trailed by as many as 12 points in the second half.

Jayson Tatum scored 25 points in the comeback win and sharpshooter Luke Kennard poured in 24 points, 18 in the second half. The mercurial Grayson Allen added 18 points in much-needed 28 minutes off the bench.

"I just attacked the same way and made some shots today," Allen said. "That was really it. And got going a little bit and just was able to bring us energy when I got in, and then once the whole team got energized, just feeding off of that."

Tar Heels coach Roy Williams, like his counterpart, doesn't see any difference in playing in a venue so far from both school's fan base.

"We've played them in the tournament, not very often, though, really for 14 years, Williams said. "I think we played them once or twice in the tournament, and it wasn't in Durham or Chapel Hill. I can't even remember where it was."

share


Get more from Atlantic Coast Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic