Duke executed its well-spaced offense with efficiency, driving hard and also locating open shooters behind the arc. The result? The Devils made 13 3-point baskets compared to UNC's three, a whopping 39-9 point differential.

DEFENSE

The Blue Devils couldn't contain Carolina's inside bruiser, Tyler Hansbrough, who had 28 points.

But their pestering defense outside contributed to off-nights by Wayne Ellington (3-for-14) and reserve Danny Green (1-for-10), two strong offensive players.

POINT GUARD

Duke's Greg Paulus won this backcourt battle. He converted 6 of 8 3s, scored 18 points, added three assists, and four steals and kept the offense flowing.

UNC's Quentin Thomas had 10 points, seven assists and six turnovers. But the Tar Heels missed injured Ty Lawson.

BALANCE

Duke produced six double-figure scorers, led by Paulus. Lance Thomas, not usually a double-digit scorer, popped in 10 and played what coach Mike Krzyzewski dubbed his best game of the year.

BENCH

Duke's Jon Scheyer won the "Sixth Man" award with 17 points, six boards and three steals. That was particularly needed when DeMarcus Nelson picked up his fourth foul early in the second half -- he played just 23 minutes.