DURHAM, N.C. -- It was another classic in the annals of the Duke-North Carolina rivalry. There was great intensity at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Thursday night. What a contest!

The Tar Heels' 85-83 victory over Duke gave them the lead in the ACC. Matt Doherty is becoming a big-time name in college basketball, and a win like that only enhances his stock -- it goes up and up.

In the end Brendan Haywood calmly stepped up to the line and hit two key free throws to get the Tar Heels to the winner's circle. Haywood did a great job with rhythm and timing in blocking shots.

North Carolina focused and listened to the game plan. The Tar Heels got the ball inside to the big men Haywood and Kris Lang. North Carolina also got solid play from Jason Capel early, and Joseph Forte was sensational in transition. He had a double-double in the first half.

The Tar Heels did a great job defending the perimeter, stopping the 3-point shots in the first half. I was puzzled that they went to the zone in the second half. Duke found the seams of the "D" and hit 3-pointers to get back in the game. You can't zone the Blue Devils.

North Carolina has grown up so much. The Heels have matured defensively and have learned about good shot selection. That showed on Thursday with a big-time "W" as the Cameron Crazies went home disappointed.