Armando Bacot tabbed as "Player of the Night" following UNC basketball win over Duke

In what was his final home game against rival Duke, Armando Bacot put on a special performance to lead the UNC basketball program to victory.

The big-man scored a game-high 25 points while connecting on 10 of his 13 shot attempts and five of seven free-throw opportunities. He also recorded yet another double-double, finishing the ball game with 10 rebounds to go along with five assists.

Yes, he did receive five cracked teeth in the process, but Bacot also earned The Field of 68's Player of the Night honor as well.

Bacot has received a lot of criticism for his recent play, as he hasn't necessarily put up the dominant numbers that we are all so accustomed to seeing. However, Bacot has still been a vital part of the Tar Heels success, as he's been doing whatever it takes to win, regardless of what his stat line looks like.

The Bacot critics were rather quiet on Saturday night as the fifth-year big man proved everyone wrong. While speaking to the media afterward, Bacot noted that he sat down with head coach Hubert Davis to discuss ways to get him not only more involved but provide him with more effective opportunities on the offensive side of the floor.

What Davis and Bacot drew up seemed to really work on Saturday night, as the hope is that they'll continue to draw up ways to make sure Bacot is a focal point on both ends of the floor moving forward.

After the huge victory, a game that moved the Tar Heels to 10-1 in ACC play while providing them with a two-game lead in the standings, Bacot had to let the conference know who the ACC runs through.

In his final opportunity to compete in this historic rivalry on his home floor, it was great to see Armando Bacot be the dominant player that we've seen him be throughout his UNC basketball career.

Of course, the win is the most important part of it.