JUST IN: ACC gets a message from Armando Bacot following his performance against Duke.

In a standout performance during Saturday night’s game against Duke, North Carolina’s center/forward Armando Bacot exhibited a vintage display, scoring 25 points and securing 10 rebounds to contribute to the Tar Heels’ victory over the Blue Devils. Bacot’s impressive double-double was particularly notable as he issued a bold statement post-game, declaring, “(The) ACC runs through me,” and expressing confidence in his ability to prevail against top bigs in every matchup.

With Duke focusing on containing RJ Davis, Bacot seized the opportunity, along with Harrison Ingram, to shine and each score over 20 points. While Bacot may not have consistently posted monster numbers this season, he has been a defensive force, offering valuable contributions to the Tar Heels.

North Carolina’s overall record now stands at 18-4, with an impressive 10-1 in ACC play, positioning them at the top of the conference standings in February. The Tar Heels hold a two-game lead over Virginia, setting the stage for a significant matchup later in the month. As North Carolina continues to send messages to the rest of the ACC, Bacot’s performance serves as a powerful reminder that this isn’t the same team as last year.