For North Carolina, last season’s win at Duke may have been the most important turning point of the Tar Heels’ season. After an erratic February, they not only clinched the ACC regular-season title with the win but won in Cameron for the first time in their seniors’ careers.
With rings secured and three years of Duke demons exorcised, North Carolina went on to win its next eight games, winning the ACC championship and coming within a whisker of the national title. Vanquishing Duke – especially after the Blue Devils came back from eight down late to win in Chapel Hill – served as a springboard to a successful postseason.