Williamson’s Clutch Tip-In Pushes Duke Past UNC

CHARLOTTE, NC – Zion Williamson had the go-ahead tip-in on his own miss with 30.3 seconds left and fifth-ranked Duke held off third-ranked North Carolina 74-73 on Friday night in the Atlantic Coast Conference semifinals.

Williamson had 31 points and 11 rebounds and the Blue Devils (28-5) survived a fight with their fierce rival in a classic that went down to the final play. Ultimately Duke hung on, but needed a final stop. After RJ Barrett missed two free throws with 12.4 seconds left, UNC pushed downcourt for Coby White to get a contested long jumper.

The shot rattled around the rim and out as Nassir Little crashed the glass for a desperate tip attempt, sending Duke’s bench into celebration and leaving a disappointed White crouching at midcourt.

Cameron Johnson had 23 points for the Tar Heels (27-6). They shot 40 percent and led by four in the final three minutes but couldn’t hold on.

The Blue Devils advance to the championship game against 12th-ranked Florida State on Saturday at 8pm. The Seminoles upset No. 2 Virginia in the first semifinal.

North Carolina will be headed to the NCAA Tournament, though it’s unclear whether they’ve done enough to secure a No. 1 seed.