Around this time every year, all eyes focus in on the Triangle as two of the sport’s powerhouses face off. This year will be no different, as bitter rivals will come together to fight for bragging rights in what has become college basketball’s biggest rivalry. These two programs are none other than Duke and North Carolina.
Coming into this year’s first installment of the Tobacco Road rivalry, North Carolina is ranked eighth in the nation, while Duke reclaimed the top spot in the rankings after Tennessee’s beating suffered in Lexington on Saturday. However, this matchup is almost always a toss-up, as either team usually has a solid chance of winning.
Game Information:
Who: No. 8 North Carolina at No. 1 Duke
When: Wednesday, February 20 at 9 PM ET
Where: Cameron Indoor Stadium- Durham, NC
Watch: ESPN
UNC: The Tar Heels have not had issues scoring this season, as they have been one of the nation’s highest-scoring teams throughout the year. They will need to produce offensively as per usual to win this duel with Duke’s star-studded lineup. Coby White’s shooting from deep will be vital to a UNC win, just as it was in the close call against Miami. Luke Maye will also be a key factor for the Heels, assuming he can consistently make shots in what will certainly be a raucous environment. Shutting down Zion Williamson in the post, while difficult, will also be necessary to winning this game. For the Tar Heels to leave Durham with a win would be extremely difficult, but not impossible.
DUKE: Duke’s performance in big games as of late has hinged on shooting efficiency, especially from beyond the arc. In the win at Virginia, R.J. Barrett started out hot from three, and was able to give Duke an energy that the Hoos were never able to match for the rest of regulation. Unfortunately for the Blue Devils, this has not happened often, as they have shot an abysmal 31% from deep. If Barrett and Reddish are both nailing threes, with Zion Williamson dominating down low, this team will be virtually unstoppable. Tre Jones will need to play lockdown defense as he usuallly does to contain UNC star Coby White. We have seen Jones be the glue that holds this team together, and that will have to remain the case for Duke to win. Marques Bolden’s play in the post, whether that be blocking shots or snagging rebounds, will be crucial.
The Verdict:
No. 1 Duke def. No. 8 North Carolina 80-74
Ultimately, Duke’s stars will prove to be too much for UNC to handle . While it should be a close and exciting game, I believe the Cameron Crazies will provide an extra push that will propel the Blue Devils to victory.
Images Via:
Sporting News
Yahoo! Sports
https://sports.yahoo.com/zion-williamson-duke-apos-win-160014746.html
