North Carolina Tar Heels at Duke Blue Devils

Carey, Robinson help No. 12 Duke beat rival UNC 89-76

Carey had 25 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Blue Devils past the Tar Heels 89-76 in Saturday's regular-season finale, capping a game in which Duke never trailed and played a steady game after inconsistent stretches in recent weeks.

"We actually played even better than what we practiced," Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said.

Robinson matched career highs with 13 points and six rebounds to go with a career-best four blocks for the Blue Devils (25-6, 15-5 Atlantic Coast Conference), including sparking the game-clinching 8-0 run when Duke finally broke free of the Tar Heels (13-18, 6-14).

"I'm approaching practice the same way, pregame always the same," Robinson said. "You just have to have confidence, know what you can do and come out with energy."

This one didn't have the same highlight-reel drama, but still was a tough rivalry fight. The Blue Devils led by 10 late in the first half, but the Tar Heels hung around and twice got within a point in the second half.

Garrison Brooks had 26 points and 13 rebounds to lead UNC, while freshman big man Armando Bacot had 13 points and 12 rebounds. Star point guard Cole Anthony finished with just nine points on 4-for-14 shooting.

"They're a really good team and we were right there at one point," said senior Brandon Robinson, who left briefly after being hit in the mouth but returned to finish with 11 points. "We just didn't make the plays ... we just couldn't get over the hump when they got that lead."

With Duke up 72-67, the 6-foot-9 forward hit Carey inside for a dunk, then came up with a key block of Brooks in the paint at the other end. Moments later, he took a crosscourt feed from Tre Jones and launched a 3 to beat the shot clock that swished through the net and sent Cameron Indoor Stadium into a frenzy.

BIG PICTURE

"It's frustrating," UNC coach Roy Williams said, "but it's what it's been quite a bit of this season."

"Justin Robinson has been a godsend for us," Krzyzewski said. "He had his fingerprints on every aspect of the game tonight."

PROUD ADMIRAL

Robinson's father, known as "The Admiral" during an all-star career that included two NBA championships, couldn't hold back a huge smile after his son's final game at Cameron.

"He seems like he's having fun," Robinson said. "Coach K and his staff have been patient and really worked with him a lot, gotten him bigger and stronger. And I couldn't be happier. He seems like he's in a good place."

UP NEXT

UNC: The Tar Heels play Virginia Tech in Tuesday's first round of the ACC Tournament.

Duke: The Blue Devils have a double bye into Thursday's quarterfinals at the ACC Tournament.

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Follow Aaron Beard on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/aaronbeardap

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