Duke Basketball: 3 takeaways from Coach K’s loss to UNC in final game ever

The “retirement tour” for Coach K has reached its final stages at the Final Four in New Orleans. After close wins over Michigan State and Texas Tech, it looked at times as if Duke Basketball wasn’t going to reach this point in the NCAA Tournament. But just like Saint Peter’s making it all the way to the Elite 8, the Blue Devils’ storyline wasn’t going to end just yet.

After Duke’s win over Arkansas and North Carolina beating Saint Peter’s, it set up not only the first-ever meeting between these programs in the NCAA Tournament but the Final Four as well. It was an incredible contrast, as it was Hubert Davis’ first full year as head coach of the Tar Heels, while the next loss was going to be the last in the final year for Mike Krzyzewski.

The game was fairly close throughout, with both teams making multiple runs in an effort to get separation. There were 18 different lead changes, including several in the final couple of minutes. However, Caleb Love’s three-pointer, part of his game-high 28 points, late gave them a lead and allowed the Tar Heels to win in the end, 81-77.

Paolo Banchero had 20 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Blue Devils, with Trevor Keels going for 19 off the bench. Unfortunately, Duke Basketball and Coach K’s season ends on Saturday night, as rival UNC and Kansas will face off for the national title.

There are a ton of thoughts about the game and the situation itself, as it’s still unbelievable that Coach K is done coaching. Here are some takeaways from my end.