DURHAM, N.C. — Cameron Boozer had 26 factors, 15 rebounds and 5 assists to assist No. 1 Duke beat No. 17 North Carolina 76-61 on Saturday night time in a rivalry rematch.
Maliq Brown added 15 factors as Duke led by a single possession early after halftime before taking over with 16 unanswered factors in what ballooned to a 24-2 surge.
The Blue Devils (29-2, 17-1) accomplished a second straight one-loss run through ACC regular-season play, this one coming a month after shedding at North Carolina on Seth Trimble’s last-second 3-pointer.
Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) and Maliq Brown (left) react after a play during the first half of Duke’s 76-61 win over rival North Carolina in Durham on March 7, 2026. AP
Duke has won eight straight, including a neutral-court victory over then-No. 1 Michigan and a romp against No. 13 Virginia.
The loss capped a tough 24 hours for the Tar Heels (24-7, 12-6). They appeared on the verge of getting star Caleb Wilson back from a fractured left hand just in time for March Madness — and possibly this sport — only for him to endure a season-ending damaged proper thumb during a non-contact drill Thursday.
The freshman was on the bench with his proper thumb wrapped in a black brace as North Carolina fell to 5-2 with out him.
Derek Dixon had 17 factors for North Carolina, which trailed just 47-44 on Trimble’s drive with 16:45 left before Duke made its decisive push.
The Tar Heels went six minutes with out a level and managed one basket over more than 10 minutes as Duke blew the sport open.
Duke performed with out beginning huge man Patrick Ngongba II, who sported a boot on his proper foot after halftime after going with out one before.
Dame Sarr slams home a dunk during the second half of Duke’s home win over rival North Carolina. Getty Images
Then beginning level guard Caleb Foster came up hobbled with 4:51 left before halftime and checked out, grabbing at his proper foot before leaving the bench space.
He returned in the second half carrying a boot of his own on his proper foot.
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