University of North Carolina Athletics
On This Day in Carolina History
June 21, 1999 | General
1974 -- Bradley, OKoren Spark ACC Title Game Win
Dudley Bradley played perhaps the best all-around game of his career and Mike OKoren hit key free throws down the stretch as North Carolina toppled Duke, 71-63, in the championship game of the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament.
Five Carolina players scored in double figures at the Greensboro Coliseum with OKorens 18 leading the way. He scored his last nine points by connecting on nine of 10 foul shots.
Bradley, the Tournament MVP, scored 16 points, hitting seven of 11 shots from the floor. He also had seven steals and four assists. It was the Tar Heel defense, sparked by his steals, which proved to be the games difference. Carolina forced Duke into 14 turnovers, while committing only seven.
Dave Colescott, who played a fine tournament, had 11 points, while Al Wood and Rich Yonakor had 10 each. Mike Gminski led Duke with 19 points and 16 rebounds. Both Vince Taylor and Jim Spanarkel had 13.
Duke led only once in the game at 2-0. But, the Blue Devils stayed close and trailed just 61-58 after Taylors driving layup with 1:04 to play. OKoren made the front end of a one-and free throw opportunity with 1:00 to go, but then missed his only foul shot of the game.
However, Wood tipped the rebound back out and OKoren grabbed it. He then nailed his next two free throws for a 64-58 edge with 51 seconds remaining.
Duke sliced that to 64-61 with 36 seconds to go. But, O Koren made four straight free throws and a Bradley steal and breakaway dunk sealed the win.
