UNC’s Jae’Lyn Withers, Hubert Davis discuss lane violation that ended upset bid vs. Duke
After coming back from 24 points down against their archrivals, North Carolina had two free throws to take the lead and advance to the ACC Tournament final. A miss and a lane violation ended their comeback — and maybe their season.
North Carolina’s Ven-Allen Lubin went to the foul line with 4.1 seconds left and the Tar Heels trailing 72-71. He missed the first free throw, but then sank the second. Only it didn’t count.
Jae’Lyn Withers committed a lane violation and Lubin’s game-tying shot was waved off. The Tar Heels were forced to foul, Duke’s Kon Knueppel made both free throws and Lubin’s desperation three missed. Duke came away with a 74-71 win and a berth in the tournament final.
The 22-13 Tar Heels were firmly on the bubble of the NCAA Tournament field two days ahead of Selection Sunday. Their best chance at punching their ticket to the Big Dance was probably getting the ACC’s automatic bid by winning the tourney.
It looked unlikely at halftime, with the Blue Devils leading by 24 with 17 minutes to go, even with star Cooper Flagg out with an injury.
But after Duke had an 18-point lead with under nine minutes to go, UNC went on a 24-5 run, setting up the free-throw disaster.
North Carolina coach Hubert Davis refused to blame Withers, telling reporters, “We’re not even here in the semifinals without Jae’Lyn” and standing beside him the entire time he took questions.
North Carolina fell short of a miracle Friday night. Now they’ll need a little luck on Sunday
