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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Seward, NC

Home Care Seward, NC

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Founders Monument gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Seward, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Seward, NC

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“This company is TOP-NOTCH! Incredibly helpful and super friendly. If you’re looking for a part-time in caregiving, this is it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”

MJ F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Sandy is very knowledgeable of assisted living options in the Winston Salem area. She helped with a family member’s search with care and consideration. We highly recommend.”

Meredith K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I highly recommend Sandy Bowen with Always Best Care. I called her with a very tight timeframe to find a suitable memory care facility for my family member. She asked a lot of questions about my loved one to try and get to know her as much as possible. She worked very fast and lined up several appointments for us to tour places within a matter of days. She explained the process to me every step of the way and made sure we stayed on track. She attended the appointments with me and asked questions that I would never think to ask. I can’t thank her enough.”

Ginger M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home care for themselves or loved ones”

Phillip B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“During an unexpected hospital stay, Joanne provided much needed assistance. She provided excellent care and supportive advocacy. It made dealing with the discomfort more bearable and gave me a safeguard to decipher the complicated choices to resolve health issues. I highly recommend this service.”

Barry C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“If you are looking for attentive, quality home care look no further than Joanne and her team. A passion for excellence is driven for from this team. Family oriented and willing to work with all families.”

Laura M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“These folks are so helpful! They care about their clients and it shows in the service! I highly recommend ????”

Mary E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home care for themselves or loved ones”

Michael B.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Seward, NC?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Seward, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Seward, NC

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Seward, NC
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Seward, NC
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Whale Tail Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Seward, NC
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Cookery or visit William H. Seward Monument, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Seward, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Seward, NC

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Seward, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Seward, NC

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NC's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Seward, NC

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Seward, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Seward, NC

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Seward, NC

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Independent Living Center
  • Seward Senior Citizens Center
  • Clearview Haven Assisted Living
  • Providence Seward Mountain Haven
Home Care Seward, NC

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Seward, NC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Seward, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Seward, NC

Latest News in Seward, NC

Bacot, Davis carry No. 19 North Carolina past Lehigh 90-68

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — No. 19 North Carolina didn’t want any extra stress, and the two most experienced players in Tar Heels uniforms made sure there was a comfortable conclusion Sunday.Armando Bacot’s 22-point, 20-rebound effort and RJ Davis’ 22 points led North Carolina to a 90-68 win over Lehigh.“Us being veterans and experiencing success and also going through those hardship games, we just have to pull guys along with us,” Davis said.Harrison Ingram added 14 points for the Tar He...

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — No. 19 North Carolina didn’t want any extra stress, and the two most experienced players in Tar Heels uniforms made sure there was a comfortable conclusion Sunday.

Armando Bacot’s 22-point, 20-rebound effort and RJ Davis’ 22 points led North Carolina to a 90-68 win over Lehigh.

“Us being veterans and experiencing success and also going through those hardship games, we just have to pull guys along with us,” Davis said.

Harrison Ingram added 14 points for the Tar Heels, who broke away after Lehigh came within three points about seven minutes into the second half. North Carolina (2-0) outscored the Mountain Hawks 23-3 on free throws.

Bacot produced the third game of his career with 20-20 numbers, reaching the 20-rebound mark for the seventh time. He sat out the last four minutes.

“It is what is required and needed to be the best we can be,” coach Hubert Davis said of Bacot’s production. “There’s a sense of urgency that I haven’t seen in him.”

Keith Higgins Jr. scored 14 of his 16 points in the first half and Tyler Whitney-Sidney had 10 points for Lehigh (0-3).

“I thought our team competed to get ourselves in a competitive situation,” Lehigh coach Brett Reed said. “Being down three against a very good team is a promising sign. … But unfortunately, it felt like Carolina just kind of overpowered us.”

North Carolina’s 43-34 halftime lead shrunk to 53-50, but seven fouls by the Mountain Hawks in less than seven minutes to open the second half meant a steady diet of free throws for the Tar Heels. Two foul shots by RJ Davis began a 9-0 run.

“The calmness comes from having a guy like RJ out on the floor,” Hubert Davis said.

Bacot said the team’s response was appropriate.

“I think that spoke to the maturity of our team to be able to execute the plan and bring it up a notch,” Bacot said.

Bacot converted two three-point plays in the first 12 minutes. He ended up with six offensive rebounds, giving the fifth-year player 487 for his career and setting the school record. He passed Tyler Hansbrough (482).

After leading 14-13, Lehigh went more than seven minutes without a field goal. When Higgins snapped the drought with a 3-pointer, the Mountain Hawks closed within 27-18. Davis responded with two 3s in a 36-second span.

Bacot had first-half totals of 12 points and 12 rebounds for his 70th career double-double. Higgins made six of his team’s 12 first-half field goals.

“They did a good job of trying to limit Keith’s touches,” Reed said. “It generated opportunities for some other guys because he was commanding so much attention. I think a lot our guys will make more of those plays moving forward.”

Lehigh lost Friday night at Penn State and traveled to Maryland afterward. The Mountain Hawks practiced Saturday at Towson before flying to North Carolina to complete a challenging opening week of the season.

BIG PICTURE

Lehigh: The Mountain Hawks need more sources of offense after Higgins generated the most production in consecutive games. Lehigh was trying to defeat an Atlantic Coast Conference team for the first time since stunning Duke in the first round of the 2012 NCAA Tournament.

North Carolina: The Tar Heels have relied heavily on Bacot in the first two games as he has been a force in the lane. Also like in the opener vs. Radford, the Tar Heels didn’t gain much of a comfortable margin until a strong second-half stretch.

UP NEXT

Lehigh: Thursday night vs. Division III Oneonta (N.Y.) State

North Carolina: Friday night vs. UC Riverside

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No. 7 North Carolina overpowers Notre Dame 84-51 on senior night

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Armando Bacot played in his record 162nd ACC game and No. 7 North Carolina overpowered Notre Dame 84-51 on senior night Tuesday to clinch at least a share of the regular-season conference championship.The fifth-year player who holds the school’s record for career rebounds and double-doubles checked out to a standing ovation with about three minutes remaining.“He’s been a great leader for us,” RJ Davis, who also might have played his final game at home, said of Bacot. &ldquo...

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Armando Bacot played in his record 162nd ACC game and No. 7 North Carolina overpowered Notre Dame 84-51 on senior night Tuesday to clinch at least a share of the regular-season conference championship.

The fifth-year player who holds the school’s record for career rebounds and double-doubles checked out to a standing ovation with about three minutes remaining.

“He’s been a great leader for us,” RJ Davis, who also might have played his final game at home, said of Bacot. “He’s been dominant throughout his whole career here, breaking records left and right.”

Scoring his last basket at Smith Center on a 3-pointer, Bacot finished the night with 14 points and five rebounds.

“Armando can shoot the 3, and I’ve told him he can shoot it, I just want him to shoot it at the right time,” UNC coach Hubert Davis said. “He’s so good around the basket, I don’t want him to go away from dominating points in the paint.”

Davis, a fourth-year senior who has a COVID year of eligibility remaining, had 22 points and six assists. He and Cormac Ryan, who had 14 points, exited the court to applause immediately behind Bacot.

Harrison Ingram added 11 points and 14 rebounds for the Tar Heels (24-6, 16-3).

North Carolina’s fifth straight victory clinched at least a share of the program’s 33rd conference title.

Tae Davis led Notre Dame (12-18, 7-12) with 11 points.

Notre Dame didn’t connect on a field goal in the second half until J.R. Konieczny’s layup at the 13:56 mark. North Carolina led by as many as 38 points.

“Congrats to North Carolina,” Notre Dame coach Micah Shrewsberry said. “It was grown men playing against little boys. We got to get better if we want to get to that level.”

BIG PICTURE

Notre Dame: The Irish had won five of their last six games entering this contest, but the Smith Center has proven to be a difficult place for opponents. UNC is 14-1 there this season. Meanwhile, the Irish dropped to 2-9 on the road. Dooming Notre Dame was its lack of offensive execution, as the Irish knocked down just five 3-pointers, tying their lowest total in an ACC game this season.

North Carolina: It’s the first time since the 2018-19 season that the Tar Heels have won at least a share of the ACC crown, and they clinched it by playing some of their best defense of the season. It was the fifth time this year North Carolina held a conference opponent to under 35% shooting from the floor. North Carolina also excelled in transition, turning 12 Notre Dame turnovers into 18 points.

“I thought we were really locked in defensively,” Hubert Davis said. “I thought our energy, our effort, our attention to detail was really good. I thought we were impactful on the ball.”

UP NEXT

Notre Dame: Visits Virginia Tech on Saturday.

North Carolina: Visits No. 9 Duke on Saturday.

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No. 24 UNC survives 2OT thriller to beat rival Duke 47-45 in home finale

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — For the second straight year, Drake Maye pushed No. 24 North Carolina with just enough in the clutch to beat rival Duke.And if this was his final home game, the Tar Heels’ star quarterback got an unforgettable send-off.Maye pushed the Tar Heels to one final lead before UNC stopped Duke’s 2-point conversion attemp...

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — For the second straight year, Drake Maye pushed No. 24 North Carolina with just enough in the clutch to beat rival Duke.

And if this was his final home game, the Tar Heels’ star quarterback got an unforgettable send-off.

Maye pushed the Tar Heels to one final lead before UNC stopped Duke’s 2-point conversion attempt to tie the game in the second overtime, sending the No. 24 Tar Heels to a 47-45 win against the rival Blue Devils in a thriller Saturday night.

Duke’s Grayson Loftis couldn’t connect with Jalon Calhoun in the back of the end zone, capping a game with a combined 39 fourth-quarter points before extra periods. It ended with UNC players spilling onto the field from the sideline — followed closely by fans pouring out of the stands in pursuit — to celebrate in their home finale.

“This will be one they remember for the rest of their lives on Senior Night,” UNC coach Mack Brown said.

Maye was at the center of it once more, from directing an overtime-forcing drive in the fleeting seconds of regulation to his go-ahead score.

“I think he’s as good as anybody I’ve ever been around,” Brown said, adding: “He never even flinched.”

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Maye ran around the right side, turned through hits near the goal line and extended the ball for a 5-yard touchdown. Then he made a play on the fly for the conversion, one of the intangibles to go with his size, arm and mobility that has made him an NFL prospect.

He looked right with three receivers lined up against two defenders, then broke that off to run for the end zone because he thought a Duke defender was baiting him to make a throw. But as Duke’s defense converged, he tossed the ball ahead to John Copenhaver for the 47-39 lead.

He admitted there was some “back yard” in the play, like with his left-handed TD throw at Pittsburgh in September.

“I was trying to keep my head up,” Maye said. “I feel like that’s one of my best attributes ... Just try to get extra yards and try not to have negative plays.”

Loftis threw for 189 yards and three touchdowns as he continued leading Duke’s attack with starter Riley Leonard sidelined by a lower-body injury. Jordan Moore had all three of those scoring catches, including a fourth-down 30-yard grab from Loftis that pushed Duke to a 36-33 lead with 41 seconds left in regulation.

Loftis got the Blue Devils (6-4, 3-3) to answer by finding Moore over the middle for a 6-yard score, only to fall short on the tying conversion.

That sealed a fifth straight win against the Blue Devils, allowing the Tar Heels to keep the Victory Bell presented to the rivalry winner for another year. Worse for Duke, it marked a second straight heartbreaking loss in the rivalry, with UNC winning on a late touchdown pass by Maye last year.

“We knew we were going to have to just scratch and claw our way to stay in it, hang in it and hopefully give us a chance in the fourth quarter,” Duke coach Mike Elko said. “I thought we did that. Two years in a row, we just couldn’t stop that kid with the game on the line.”

Maye threw for 342 yards and a touchdown to go with two rushing scores in what Brown has said is likely his last home game as a high NFL prospect, though the third-year passer hasn’t publicly committed to a decision.

Omarion Hampton powered the Tar Heels’ offense all night, running for 169 yards and a touchdown on a career-high 31 carries. UNC also got a huge game from receiver Devontez “Tez” Walker, who had seven catches for a career-high 162 yards.

The Tar Heels finished with a 537-379 edge in total offense.

THE TAKEAWAY

Duke: The Blue Devils found themselves struggling to match UNC’s offensive production, though they capitalized on their opportunities and the Tar Heels’ mistakes — then pounced in the fourth to come oh-so-close to ending their losing streak in the rivalry.

“I’m proud of how we rallied in the fourth quarter,” Elko said. “This one stings.”

UNC: The Tar Heels stood at No. 10 in the AP Top 25 during a 6-0 start before blowing double-digit leads after halftime in losses to Virginia and Georgia Tech. They did it again here, but still managed to land the last punches in a rivalry throwdown.

NOTABLE BOOST

UNC had special-teams struggles, including a muffed kickoff return pinning UNC at its own 1-yard line before Maye threw his only interception to set up a Duke TD. The Blue Devils also recovered an onside kick while running off 15 straight points to erase a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

But there was at least one bright spot there for UNC: Noah Burnette kicked six field goals to tie a program record, including a 43-yarder to end regulation. It came roughly a year after Burnette missed a 35-yarder to end a double-overtime home loss to North Carolina State.

“He’s made some timely kicks and has just handled himself really, really well,” linebacker Cedric Gray said.

POLL IMPLICATIONS

UNC could see a bump when the next AP Top 25 is released Sunday.

UP NEXT

Duke: The Blue Devils visit Virginia next Saturday.

UNC: The Tar Heels head to Clemson next Saturday.

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Bacot and Ingram help No. 20 North Carolina beat UC Riverside 77-52 for a 3-0 start

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina ran off a big first-half burst that thrilled coach Hubert Davis, only to let up coming down the stretch before halftime. The 20th-ranked Tar Heels opened the second half better — and Davis hopes it offers a lesson on sustaining their strongest stretches.Preseason Associated Press All-American Armando Bacot had 21 points and UNC ran off 19 straight points out of halftime to beat UC Riverside 77-52 on Friday night.The Tar Heels (3-0) ran off 17 unanswered points — includin...

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina ran off a big first-half burst that thrilled coach Hubert Davis, only to let up coming down the stretch before halftime. The 20th-ranked Tar Heels opened the second half better — and Davis hopes it offers a lesson on sustaining their strongest stretches.

Preseason Associated Press All-American Armando Bacot had 21 points and UNC ran off 19 straight points out of halftime to beat UC Riverside 77-52 on Friday night.

The Tar Heels (3-0) ran off 17 unanswered points — including a two-hand stuff by Seth Trimble over Vladimer Salaridze — to build a 30-9 lead with play that Davis praised at both ends. But they went just 2 for 14 through the final 8 1/2 minutes as the Highlanders clawed back to within 37-26 by halftime.

“The only disappointing part is we didn’t continue that for the first half,” Davis said. “That stretch, it would’ve been great if we built on that. Now we did it in the second half, but I just talked to them for our development as a team, you can’t take your foot off the gas pedal.”

As UNC kept stretching its second-half lead, UC Riverside (1-3) went cold. The Highlanders missed their first 13 shots and committed five turnovers before Barrington Hargress found Salaridze for a layup at the 10:33 mark to end the drought.

Ben Griscti scored 14 points for UC Riverside.

“They started to figure out some of our actions and started to switch everything,” Highlanders coach Mike Magpayo said. “They were able to switch everything and I think that’s where they’re good. Bacot can switch out on you ... and if you can’t get around their big guy, that makes for a really good defense.”

BIG PICTURE

UC Riverside: The Big West program got a quality finish to the first half — ending with layups by Jhaylon Martinez and Hargress — with a 9-2 run to stay within range. But it was otherwise a rough offensive night, with UC Riverside shooting 30.6% and making 9 of 30 3-pointers.

UNC: The Tar Heels had 10 players score in what Davis is hoping is a sign of reliable depth going forward for a team that lacked it last season. UNC’s biggest trouble was hitting from outside (6 of 21 on 3s), though two came from reserve big man Jalen Washington (11 points).

HOME BLUES

This marked only the fourth time in recent memory that the Tar Heels wore blue uniforms on their home court after UC Riverside requested to wear white.

The first came against Connecticut in December 1990, followed by a New Year’s Eve game during the 2013-14 season and then the February 2020 rivalry game with Duke in which both teams wore retro-inspired jerseys featuring their shade of blue.

The team recently switched its apparel contract from adidas to Nike, and Magpayo said the white uniforms are the only ones they have so far.

“I’m really thankful to North Carolina because I was like, ‘There’s no way they’re saying yes,’” he said.

UP NEXT

UC Riverside: The Highlanders face Green Bay on Tuesday in Bozeman, Montana.

UNC: The Tar Heels face Northern Iowa on Wednesday in the first round of the Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas.

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Bacot, Ingram lead No. 3 North Carolina past No. 7 Duke 93-84 in rivalry game

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Third-ranked North Carolina played with confidence and a physical edge to build a lead against rival Duke, then never flinched in protecting its edge no matter how many times the seventh-ranked Blue Devils made a push.When it was over, RJ Davis took a moment to savor a quick goodbye wave to them in front of a roaring home crowd.“Yeah, I did,” he said with a grin, “just for the fun rivalry.”Armando Bacot and Harrison Ingram each posted double-doubles to help No. 3 Nor...

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Third-ranked North Carolina played with confidence and a physical edge to build a lead against rival Duke, then never flinched in protecting its edge no matter how many times the seventh-ranked Blue Devils made a push.

When it was over, RJ Davis took a moment to savor a quick goodbye wave to them in front of a roaring home crowd.

“Yeah, I did,” he said with a grin, “just for the fun rivalry.”

Armando Bacot and Harrison Ingram each posted double-doubles to help No. 3 North Carolina beat No. 7 Duke 93-84 on Saturday night in the latest renewal of the rivalry between neighboring programs with a combined 11 NCAA championships.

The 6-foot-11 Bacot finished with 25 points and 10 rebounds, while the 6-7 Ingram was a force all over the court with 21 points, 13 rebounds and four steals. It was an example of how much more productive and deeper the rotation is after an offseason overhaul, which has helped UNC (18-4, 10-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) push to the top of the league standings.

“There’s a hunger and thirst with this group, individually and as a team, to be the best it can be,” third-year coach Hubert Davis said.

UNC remained in control on a night when ACC scoring leader Davis faced constant defensive attention before coming on late to score 17 points despite 5-of-14 shooting.

Ingram was busy everywhere. He made 5 of 9 3-pointers, including one from the corner with Jeremy Roach within breath’s reach, then had a dive-on-the-floor play in the paint to save a possession and ultimately set up a corner 3-pointer from Cormac Ryan.

Bacot made 10 of 13 shots and also had five assists while staying out of foul trouble in a marquee post matchup with Duke star Kyle Filipowski.

“I knew coming into this game I would have a big game,” Bacot said. “I told my mom before the game, ‘I think I’m going to get like 20 and 10.”

It was part of a night in which UNC played with tenacity backed by a crowd roaring at ear-ringing levels to put the Blue Devils (16-5, 7-3) in a night-long uphill climb in the first matchup with both teams ranked since the 2018-19 season.

The Tar Heels led 45-35 at halftime, and never let Duke closer than seven after halftime until the final minute by consistently coming up with timely scores or rebound-sealing stops.

Freshman Jared McCain had 23 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Blue Devils, while Filipowski added 22 points. But second-year coach Jon Scheyer was disappointed in what he felt was a team that didn’t match UNC’s edge, particularly mentioning getting on the floor for loose balls.

“You can play really well and compete your butt off and still lose to them because they’re a really good team,” Scheyer said. “But we didn’t compete to the level that you need to to have a chance to beat this team tonight. And that’s what I’m disappointed about.”

BIG PICTURE

Duke: The Blue Devils arrived with plenty of momentum after going 7-1 in January. Duke did plenty right offensively (shooting 50.7%) but the Blue Devils made just 5 of 19 3-pointers and committed 11 turnovers — the biggest when Tyrese Proctor threw away an inbounds to Ryan with Duke down 88-80 with 43 seconds left — that led to 19 points for the Tar Heels.

UNC: The Tar Heels started 9-0 in ACC play for their best start in 23 years before Tuesday’s loss at Georgia Tech ended their overall win streak at 10 games. This was a big way to get back on track.

UP NEXT

Duke: The Blue Devils host Notre Dame on Wednesday night.

UNC: The Tar Heels host Clemson on Tuesday night.

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