DURHAM, N.C. — Senior Day at Cameron Indoor Stadium delivered both emotion and intensity as No. 11 Duke outlasted No. 21 North Carolina 72-68 on Sunday, pushing the Blue Devils’ winning streak to 16 games.
Seniors Ashlon Jackson and Taina Mair led the way with 14 points apiece in their final home appearance, helping Duke improve to 19-6 overall and remain unbeaten in ACC play at 14-0.
A Rivalry Battle from the Start
The first half unfolded like a classic Tobacco Road showdown. The teams traded blows through 16 lead changes in the opening 20 minutes, including 10 in the first quarter alone. A late jumper by Riley Nelson gave Duke a slim 19-18 edge after one.
North Carolina found momentum in the second quarter, using a 7-0 run to build a 29-23 advantage. But Duke responded behind sharp perimeter shooting from Jordan Wood, who knocked down three 3-pointers in the period. The Blue Devils closed the half strong to carry a 41-33 lead into the break.
Duke Holds Firm Down the Stretch
Though Duke never trailed in the second half, the Tar Heels kept it tight. The margin shrank to 56-54 late in the third quarter, but North Carolina couldn’t break through.
In the closing seconds, Delaney Thomas converted a layup to stretch the lead to six with 30 seconds remaining. Nyla Brooks answered with a 3-pointer for UNC with 15 seconds to play, trimming the deficit to three. Jackson calmly knocked down a free throw in the final moments to secure the four-point victory.
Key Contributors
Nelson added 13 points for Duke, while Toby Fournier controlled the glass with 12 rebounds. Mair filled the stat sheet with seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals in a well-rounded senior performance.
For North Carolina (21-6, 10-4 ACC), Ciera Toomey scored 14 points, Indya Nivar added 12, and Brooks and Nyla Harris chipped in 10 each. The loss marked the Tar Heels’ first defeat this season when both Brooks and Harris reached double figures.
Series Edge and What’s Next
With the win, Duke nudged ahead in the all-time series, now leading 57-55. The rivals will meet again in the regular-season finale on March 1 in Chapel Hill.
Up next, North Carolina travels to Virginia Tech on Thursday, while Duke returns to action Tuesday when NC State visits Durham.
On a day honoring its seniors, Duke delivered another statement — grit, composure, and one more rivalry win to keep its perfect conference run intact.
