Duke’s Kyle Filipowski made some non-ideal headlines on Saturday against North Carolina.
After the sophomore 7-footer fell to the floor in the first half, UNC’s Harrison Ingram tried to run past him to get back on offense and fell over Filipowski’s leg. The replay looked like the Duke big man lifted his leg, causing a social media uproar invoking the name of Grayson Allen and accusing Filipowski of a dirty play.
Both players came up angry at the other, as Ingram also seemed to shove Filipowski in the back as he ran past, and Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis loudly demanded a replay of the incident to see if Filipowski deserved a flagrant penalty.
Grayson? Is that you?
Kyle Filipowski trips Harrison Ingram. pic.twitter.com/FeeehdkiH8
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) March 10, 2024
Syracuse beat reporter and college basketball writer Mike Waters pointed out a potential fallout of the incident: Could Filipowski be suspended for the first game of the ACC Tournament?
Based on a precedent that was established at the 2022 ACC tournament; a flagrant act that wasn’t called during the game, Kyle Filipowski should be suspended for Duke’s next game. https://t.co/cc9oFcqxSS
— Mike Waters (@MikeWatersSYR) March 10, 2024
Waters referred to Syracuse’s Buddy Boeheim, who was suspended for a game after he wasn’t called for a flagrant penalty against Florida State. The conference reviewed the play, in which he appeared to punch a Seminoles player, and decided he would be suspended for the next round.
Syracuse lost to Duke that next game.
Saturday’s game continued without a penalty on Filipowski, despite a quick conversation with officials, and potential postseason litigation seems unlikely. But there is precedent if the ACC decides Filipowski’s actions meet the criteria of a flagrant foul.
Duke’s first game would be in the ACC quarterfinals after the Blue Devils clinched a double bye.