CHAPEL HILL, N.C., March 9 (UPI) -- Freshman Rashad McCants scored 26 points Sunday and the North Carolina Tar Heels survived a wild finish to end a six-game slide against Duke with an 82-79 victory over the Blue Devils.
North Carolina (16-14, 6-10 ACC) clinched a winning record and could have earned itself a berth in the NIT. The Tar Heels also made certain they would not have to compete in the play-in game of the ACC tournament for the first time.
"To double the win total from last year, I think that shows a lot about this team," said North Caro0lina Coach Matt Doherty. "And again, this schedule is one of the toughest in the country."
McCants capped a terrific afternoon with a three-pointer that snapped a 72-72 tie with 1:14 remaining. McCants made 12 of 17 shots and had little trouble shredding Duke's defense.
Chris Duhon missed a hurried three-pointer for Duke (21-10, 11-5) on the other end and Jackie Manuel's layup gave North Carolina a 77-72 advantage with 58 seconds left.
The Tar Heels made five of six free throws in the final 24 seconds, but freshman Raymond Felton had the lone miss with three seconds left. The Blue Devils did not have a timeout remaining and got the ball to Dahntay Jones, but time expired just before he launched a shot from just past halfcourt that went in.
The fans at the Smith Center stormed the court while officials consulted a replay and ruled that Jones' shot came after time expired. Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski already knew the result. He immediately indicated the shot was no good and shook hands with Doherty.
"I didn't think we played very well in the first half," Krzyzewski said. "I just didn't think we had the intensity to match them."
The rivalry's intensity was displayed in a near-fight with 8:17 remaining. Felton was hit in the mouth by a Duke player and Doherty went to check on him.
Duke assistant Chris Collins began screaming at McCants and Doherty attempted to intervene. Players from both teams congregated and seldom-used Blue Devils reserve Andre Buckner engaged in some pushing and shoving.
Both teams were assessed technical fouls for the incident.
"Things got a little heated there," Doherty said. "That happens, that's part of it, but I thought as crazy as things got, both teams settled down and Coach Krzyzewski handled it with a lot of class."
"I don't know exactly what happened," Krzyzewski said. "It really doesn't matter."
Felton had 18 points and 10 assists, and Jawad Williams added 15 points for North Carolina, which won for just the fifth time in 14 games. The Tar Heels also gave a much-needed boost to Doherty, whose job has been rumored to be in jeopardy.
Jones led Duke with 22 points and freshman Shelden Williams collected 20 and eight rebounds. Freshman J.J. Redick made 4-of-11 from beyond the arc for his 12 points.
