Grant Halverson/Getty ImagesOne of the best rivalries in sports took place Saturday night between in-state rivals No. 3 North Carolina and No. 7 Duke, with the Tar Heels coming out on top 93-84.
After North Carolina beat the Blue Devils in the NCAA Tournament in 2022, Duke controlled both meetings last season, and the Tar Heels were looking to get back in the win column. They did just that, giving them their 144th all-time win over Duke.
Veteran forward Armando Bacot — playing in his 10th matchup against the Blue Devils — put together a huge night with 25 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, shooting an efficient 9-of-12 from the field.
Newcomer Harrison Ingram, who transferred from Stanford ahead of this season, had a big showing in his first contest with Duke. The junior forward had 21 points and 12 rebounds, also getting it done on the defensive end with four steals.
Carolina Basketball @UNC_BasketballARMANDO. BACOT. pic.twitter.com/TSqCdsljrj
Tar Heel Nation @UNC_TarHeelFanHarrison Ingram with 19 pts, 9 rebs, 4 stls pic.twitter.com/vStkPf5idW
Joey Powell @Joey_PowellIngram already had a ton of affection from the #UNC fan base. Tonight? Might quickly get him into that Cam Johnson level, quickly ascending to Manek-ish.
UNC Humor @UNC_HumorThere are folks that etch their name into UNC-Duke lore with legendary performances.
We have a ways to go, but Harrison Ingram is trying.
Point to the Passer @PointPasserPodBacot being Bacot 💪 pic.twitter.com/dYWC61RKBQ
Jacob Turner @JacobTurnerTHIDuke has had absolutely ZERO answers for Armando Bacot and Harrison Ingram tonight.
Ingram: 17 pts, 8 boards
Bacot: 18 pts, 9 boards
Difference makers.
UNC Barstool @UNCBarstoolHarrison Ingram, I don’t know where you came from, but please never ever leave Chapel Hill.
Jeff Borzello @jeffborzelloCarolina has opened its biggest lead of the game at 63-48. Duke really struggling to get consistent offense from anyone besides Jared McCain and Jeremy Roach. Harrison Ingram with his best offensive game of the ACC season, already with five made 3s and 19 points.
Ricky. Johnny @RickyJohnny13This isn’t even very competitive UNC is so much better then Duke and a lot better coached
Jeff Borzello @jeffborzelloCarolina has had an answer every time Duke has gotten momentum this half. Blue Devils cut the lead to 8, McCain missed a corner 3 — and UNC responded with five straight points. Duke again cuts the lead to 8, Bacot gets a three-point play and Trimble finishes. Lead back to 13.
Jwheels15 @Gator15UFUNC is just way better than duke
Trevor William Marks @twmarks_Duke has done everything it can to take RJ Davis out of the game — hedging, extra pressure, you name it — so Armando Bacot and Harrison Ingram have stepped UP.
Bacot: 23 pts, 10 reb, 4 ast
Ingram: 21 pts, 12 reb, 4 stl
Those two are a combined 17-of-24 from the field.
Clutch Sports: UNC @ClutchSportsUNCDook has guarded RJ tight all night. Bacot and Ingram said I got you fam.
Isaac Schade @isaacschadeWhat a frontcourt performance from UNC tonight.
Armando Bacot & Harrison Ingram have both recorded 20-point, 10-rebound double-doubles.
MK @mrkimbroughIt didn’t matter where this game was played Carolina is just better than Duke and it really wasn’t close
With the win, North Carolina improved to 18-4 on the year and got back in the win column after an upset loss to George Tech earlier this week. Now, the Tar Heels are looking to ride the momentum of the rivalry win into the rest of the season as they continue their quest for a championship.
Source : Bleacher Report