The University of North Carolina (UNC) suffered a disappointing loss in their ACC tournament semifinal game against rival Duke on Friday. The Tar Heels, who needed this win to improve their lackluster March Madness résumé, had nearly erased a 24-point lead by the Blue Devils. However, it all came crashing down when Jae’Lyn Withers committed a lane violation with 4.1 seconds left, wiping out a game-tying free throw attempt.
Withers stepped over the line before releasing the ball, which meant he was not eligible for the shot. Despite making up for lost time in the second half and ultimately taking Duke to overtime, UNC’s final shot clanked wide, securing a 74-71 loss. The Blue Devils advance to the ACC tournament final without likely NBA top pick Cooper Flagg.
The error from Withers has significant implications for UNC’s NCAA tournament chances. After suffering two missed tournaments in three years since their championship run in 2022, a snub would be devastating. The Tar Heels are currently 1-12 in Quad 1 games and are on the precarious edge of the bubble.
Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/college-basketball/article/unc-loses-heartbreaker-vs-duke-after-game-tying-free-throw-wiped-out-by-lane-violation-020051737.html