In a thrilling matchup at the Dean Dome, Duke basketball staged an impressive comeback to claim the ACC title, thanks in large part to the clutch performances of Maliq Brown and Caleb Foster. While consistent contributors Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Sion James, and Tyrese Proctor continued to deliver for the Blue Devils, Brown and Foster emerged as the unsung heroes of the night.

Trailing by as many as 10 points in the second half, Duke’s chances of securing the conference championship seemed to be slipping away. However, Brown and Foster had other plans. The duo combined for 15 points in the final 10 minutes of the game, sparking a furious rally that ultimately led to a 75-73 victory over arch-rival North Carolina.

Brown, a sophomore forward, came off the bench to score a season-high 12 points, including a crucial three-pointer with just over two minutes remaining. His timely shooting and aggressive playmaking helped to stretch the Tar Heels’ defense and create opportunities for his teammates.

Meanwhile, Foster, a freshman guard, demonstrated poise beyond his years, scoring 8 of his 10 points in the second half. His lightning-quick drives to the basket and precision passing allowed Duke to attack the paint and exploit UNC’s defensive vulnerabilities.

The contributions of Brown and Foster proved to be the difference-maker in a game that saw multiple lead changes and intense defensive battles. Their ability to step up and make plays when it mattered most was a testament to the depth and resilience of the Duke basketball program.

As the Blue Devils celebrate their ACC title, the performances of Maliq Brown and Caleb Foster will be remembered as a key factor in their championship run. With the NCAA Tournament on the horizon, Duke fans will be eager to see if these two emerging stars can continue to shine on the biggest stage.