Mike Krzyzewski's Final Home Loss, 94-81, Against UNC Doesn't Spoil Legendary Coach's Sendoff In Durham

Mike Krzyzewski's final home game appearance gave the Blue Devils a vital assignment on Saturday night: cap Coach K's decorated 42-year run in Durham with an inspired win.

Also, in front of 96 all-time great Duke players once coached by Krzyzewski — present at Cameron Indoor to commemorate the coaching legend on his final night.

The narrative was inescapable for UNC coach Hubert Davis, which is why he braced his team (namely his starters) for a contest that could prove grueling in order to overcome the storyline.

All five starters for the Tar Heels stayed on the floor for the entirety of the second half, coming out of halftime down 41-39.

RJ Davis helped revitalize North Carolina's offense in the win. He ended the game with 21 points on 9-of-16 shooting.

Davis was one of four UNC starters to score 20+ points.

"This has been a tournament team for quite some time," noted the CBS commentary, also seen throughout the Tar Heels' 55-point second-half performance.

"We knew coming into the game it would be a lot of noise ... but this is Carolina basketball. We knew coming in we were gonna win the fight and win the game," Tar Heels forward Armando Bacot said after the contest, scoring 23 points on 10-of-11 shooting.

OutKick founder Clay Travis called it "one of the all time buzz kills wins."

When asked about his former players showing up to watch his final performance, Coach K's gratitude for 42 years spent in Durham showed ahead of Saturday night's game.

"It's unacceptable. Today was unacceptable. But the season has been very acceptable. The season isn't over."

Follow along on Twitter: @AlejandroAveela

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Alejandro Avila lives in Southern California and previously covered news for the LA Football Network. Jeopardy expert and grumpy sports fan. Known for having watched every movie and constant craving for dessert. @alejandroaveela (on X)