Duke is the only team thus far from the state of North Carolina to win its opening game in the NCAA Tournament.
The Blue Devils turned back Iona, 89-67, in Pittsburgh on Thursday as Marvin Bagley III scored 22 points and Grayson Allen had nine assists.
N.C. State was knocked out with a 94-83 loss to Seton Hall in Wichita.
Gonzaga eliminated UNC Greensboro, 68-64, in Boise.
Kentucky held off Davidson, 78-73, in Boise.
In a First Four contest in Dayton on Wednesday night, Texas Southern defeated N.C. Central, 64-46.
North Carolina plays Lipscomb on Friday at 2:45 p.m. in Charlotte.