The UNC basketball squad was unable to outscore the Cooper Flagg-less Blue Devils through 20 minutes of intense action.

Fierce rivals clash in the ACC Tournament Semifinals as the Duke Blue Devils take on the North Carolina Tar Heels in this highly anticipated matchup.

After Cooper Flagg’s gruesome injury in Duke’s ACC quarterfinal win over Georgia Tech on Thursday, Blue Devils coach Jon Scheyer initially said the star freshman was a “longshot” to play Friday.

Duke basketball player exits first half vs Georgia TechBROWN INJURY UPDATE: Maliq Brown injury update: Duke basketball player exit

Duke beat Georgia Tech, and UNC won against Wake Forest, which set up a third matchup between the two Carolina teams this season. This time, it will be at the ACC Tournament semi-finals. Duke, North Carolina set for semifinal matchup after busy afternoon inside the Spectrum Center Duke guard/forward Isaiah Evans led a second-half comeback.

Duke vs. North Carolina. Why it matters: This is one of the most sacred rivalries in college basketball, if not all of sports. Driving the news: Duke and North Carolina meet in the ACC tournament semifinals Friday,

Following UNC basketball's win against Wake Forest at the ACC Tournament, the Tar Heels' immediately shifted their focus to No. 1 Duke.

Despite the Tar Heels currently being projected in the field of 68 for the NCAA Tournament by Joe Lunardi, a big win over rival Duke would go a long way on Friday night. It would not only almost guarantee an NCAA Tournament berth,

Duke hits ACC semis, misses spread; UNC beats Wake, eyes crucial quad 1 win against Duke. Ben and Donnie recap Thursday's slate and set the stage for Friday!