Watch: UNC falls short of upset vs. Duke after critical mistake

North Carolina Tar Heels forward Ven-Allen Lubin (22) at the free throw line. Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Watch: North Carolina falls short of upset vs. Duke after critical mistake

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Mar 14, 2025 10:18 PM ET

The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. That's what defines college basketball in March.

On Friday night, North Carolina fans felt the latter when the team blew a prime opportunity to complete a massive comeback over rival Duke in the ACC Tournament semifinal.

Tar Heels junior Ven-Allen Lubin missed the first of two free throws awarded after he was fouled under the basket with just four seconds remaining in regulation. North Carolina trailed Duke 72-71.

He could've still sent the game to overtime by making his second, which he did, but the referee waved it off because Lubin's teammate, Jae'Lyn Withers committed a lane violation.

UNC was called for a lane violation on the potential game-tying free throw

Duke won the game to advance to the ACC tournament final. pic.twitter.com/TyaWtF4htu
— ESPN (@espn) March 15, 2025

The critical mistake resulted in a turnover and the ball being handed back to the Blue Devils, who iced the game with two final free throws of their own for a 74-71 final score.

North Carolina's heartbreaking loss may cost it a lot more than just an opportunity to compete for the ACC title.

The Tar Heels now finish the season 1-12 against Quad 1 teams and were sitting on the bubble as one of the last four teams into the NCAA Tournament entering the contest, per ESPN's Joe Lunardi. They'll be sweating it out until Selection Sunday to see if their name is called as one of the 68 qualified teams.

Friday's close triumph marks the first time Duke has defeated its heated in-state rival three times in the same season since 2001-02, according to the ESPN broadcast.

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

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