With the bright lights of the ACC Tournament shining, expect a high-intensity battle between two bitter rivals.

For the third time this season, Duke and North Carolina are battling for their respective shades of blue. This time, in the semifinals of the ACC Tournament, the Blue Devils are out to a commanding 45-24 lead.

Duke basketball player exits first half vs Georgia TechBROWN INJURY UPDATE: Maliq Brown injury update: Duke basketball player exit

The UNC basketball squad was unable to outscore the Cooper Flagg-less Blue Devils through 20 minutes of intense action.

Duke beat Georgia Tech, and UNC won against Wake Forest, which set up a third matchup between the two Carolina teams this season. This time, it will be at the ACC Tournament semi-finals. Duke, North Carolina set for semifinal matchup after busy afternoon inside the Spectrum Center Duke guard/forward Isaiah Evans led a second-half comeback.

Following UNC basketball's win against Wake Forest at the ACC Tournament, the Tar Heels' immediately shifted their focus to No. 1 Duke.

Duke vs. North Carolina. Why it matters: This is one of the most sacred rivalries in college basketball, if not all of sports. Driving the news: Duke and North Carolina meet in the ACC tournament semifinals Friday,

Despite the Tar Heels currently being projected in the field of 68 for the NCAA Tournament by Joe Lunardi, a big win over rival Duke would go a long way on Friday night. It would not only almost guarantee an NCAA Tournament berth,

Duke hits ACC semis, misses spread; UNC beats Wake, eyes crucial quad 1 win against Duke. Ben and Donnie recap Thursday's slate and set the stage for Friday!