After Duke star freshman Zion Williamson left with a knee injury just over 30 seconds into the game Wednesday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium, the eighth-ranked Tar Heels rode seniors Luke Maye and Cameron Johnson to an 88-72 victory over the No. 1 Blue Devils.

Williamson’s injury sucked the energy out of Duke (23-3, 11-2 ACC) in the early going, and UNC took full advantage.

Despite shooting just 2-for-20 from three-point range, the Tar Heels went back to what they’ve always done best in the past—attacking the basket. For the game, UNC (21-5, 11-2 ACC) scored 62 points in the paint as Maye and Johnson were able to get anything they wanted inside.

Maye—who was originally matched up on Williamson to start the game– ended the night with a team-high 30 points and 15 rebounds, while Johnson had 26 points, seven rebounds and four assists in what was easily one of his best outings in a Tar Heel uniform.

Cameron Johnson had 26 points to go along with seven rebounds and four assists in UNC’s 88-72 victory over Duke on Wednesday. AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski admitted his team was stunned with what happened in the opening minute, but was also quick to credit UNC’s senior leaders.

“Their two really veteran guys played great,” Krzyzewski said. “Maye and Cameron Johnson were sensational.

“And I thought we regrouped and we fought like crazy,” he continued. “But I think we put a lot of pressure on our own shots.”

Sophomore forward Garrison Brooks was also a huge key to the victory with his defense down low, in addition to his 14 points and eight rebounds.

Even with point guard Coby White struggling mightily with turnovers, UNC was able to quickly get out in transition against the Blue Devils—which led to a number of easy layups.

The Tar Heels also put their unselfishness on display by dishing out one incredible assist after another against a Duke squad that still had four former McDonald’s All-Americans on the floor following Williamson’s departure.

Still, though, UNC head coach Roy Williams refused to discount what losing Williamson meant to Duke in the grand scheme of things.

“Be honest, everybody be honest,” Williams told reporters after the game. “When the big fella goes out of the game, it changes a lot of stuff for them.

“Zion Williamson, I’ve never seen anything like him,” the coach added. “That was a huge blow for them. Having that happen during the course of game, you don’t have time to prepare for it.”

For the Tar Heels, this win was their first at Cameron Indoor Stadium over a No. 1 ranked Duke team since Tyler Hansbrough was a freshman back in 2006. It also brings UNC back into a tie atop the ACC standings alongside Duke and Virginia at 11-2 with only five games left in the regular season.

Of course, the final game before the ACC Tournament will be the rematch between the Tar Heels and Blue Devils—something Maye was not afraid to bring up afterwards, especially since UNC still wants a shot at beating Duke with Williamson in the lineup to prove this one was no fluke.

“It’s tough man, injuries happen,” Maye said. “[Williamson] went out and I just think we stepped up. Stepped up to the challenge. We’ll see them again, and hopefully we’ll have another shot at him.”

Up Next:

UNC returns to the court at the Smith Center this Saturday to face No. 16 Florida State in a game scheduled to tip-off at 3:45 p.m.

Game Notes:

  • Luke Maye is the first Tar Heel since Antawn Jamison to have at least 30 points and 10 rebounds against Duke.
  • For UNC sophomore forward Garrison Brooks, his 14 points were the most he’s ever scored against an ACC opponent.
  • The Tar Heels two made three-pointers represented the fewest they’ve made in a single game all season.
  • Duke came into the game allowing opponents to score just 30 points in the paint per game. UNC, as mentioned above, had 62.

 

FINAL BOX SCORE

 

 

Cover photo via Associated Press

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