It's time. Tonight, for the 243rd time, Duke and Carolina take the court in one of sport's greatest rivalries. Much will be made of this game and its partner in Chapel Hill next month. Duke and Carolina are two of the marquee names in college basketball. The game draws interest nationwide and indeed worldwide. But beyond the hype, it's a game on the schedule, an opportunity for growth from each team as the regular season's final sprint begins.
The game against Duke offers an opportunity for the Tar Heels to provide more definition to a team that has looked at times brilliant and at other times listless.