The prevailing mantra in the aftermath of UNC's emotional loss to Duke: The Tar Heels had done enough to lose long before a costly lane violation with 4.1 seconds left, and yet this was still a team more than deserving of a spot in the NCAA tournament.

Without Cooper Flagg, Duke got everything it could handle from North Carolina — and an unexpected gift that proved decisive in a 74-71 win.

The Tar Heels kept chipping at Duke's lead, getting the 25 point-lead down to 12. Then under 10 and finally to one before the mistake at the end. UNC rode the back of Lubin who had 20 points in the game but also Cadeau who led a flurry late in that half.