One of college basketball's best rivalry's is back again Wednesday night. The No. 5 North Carolina Tar Heels host the No. 20 Duke Blue Devils in a game with ACC implications. The Tar Heels (21-4, 10-2 ACC) are the favorites, but it's impossible to count out Duke (19-6, 8-4 ACC) in this rivalry game.
So who will come out on top? Here's our preview and prediction for Duke-UNC.
Game Info:
When: 9 p.m EST
Where: Dean Smith Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
TV: ESPN
Stream: ESPN3
Spread: UNC by 7.5
O/U: 162.5
What They're Saying About The Duke Blue Devils:
Duke's Offensive System Fits Team's Talents
Allen Key To Duke's Offensive Success
5 Keys To Beating UNC
What They're Saying About The North Carolina Tar Heels:
Rivalry Fueled Tar Heel Recruitments
Best And Worst Case Scenarios For UNC
Consistent Johnson A Top Threat For Tar Heels
UNC Looking To Extend ACC Lead
UNC holds a one-game lead over both Miami (FL) and Virginia in the ACC. UNC has lost two games to Notre Dame and Louisville before snapping that losing streak by winning its last two games.
Duke Trying To Keep Hot Streak Going
The Blue Devils are back in the Top 25 thanks to a four-game winning streak. That streak wins over Louisville and Virginia, although that win over the Cavaliers is controversial, as guard Grayson Allen appeared to travel before getting off the game-winning shot at the buzzer.
Key To The Game:
How does Brandon Ingram perform against UNC? He's a great offensive talent, but without Amile Jefferson, Duke's interior defense hasn't been as sharp. Going up against Brice Johnson, Kennedy Meeks and the rest of UNC's bigs, Ingram must have a strong game. It won't just be on offense that Ingram will need to play well, but also in the rebounding game. He's averaging just 6.7 boards per game this game, but needs to average closer to 10 for Duke to beat UNC.
Prediction: UNC wins 80-77
Duke has won 10 of the past 13 meetings, but the Tar Heels will win this one. UNC is simply the better team this year, and they'll hold on for a hard-fought win. These games are often close contests, and that will be the case this time around. It should be a fun game to watch.
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