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

After Cooper Flagg’s gruesome injury in Duke’s ACC quarterfinal win over Georgia Tech on Thursday, Blue Devils coach Jon Scheyer initially said the star freshman was a “longshot” to play Friday.

Cooper Flagg and Maliq Brown have been ruled out for No. 1 Duke’s game against North Carolina in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament because of injuries.

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 updated the status of Cooper Flagg and Maliq Brown ahead of the Blue Devils' ACC Tournament game against UNC on Friday in Charlotte.

We know what Flagg can do but with Brown, UNC found out first hand on Saturday. When Brown entered the game in the second half with UNC up seven, Duke went on a big run. He essentially took RJ Davis out of the game with his length and he's an issue on switches for guards.

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

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.

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,

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

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!