Gamers for No. 4 Duke understandably can dream large concerning the potentialities for the rest of the season.
However within the quick time period, there are extra urgent issues with Saturday night’s date in opposition to No. 14 North Carolina in an Atlantic Coast Convention recreation in Chapel Hill, N.C.
“It is what desires are product of,” Duke guard Caleb Foster mentioned of the matchup on this storied rivalry, which started in 1920. “That is all I can actually say. It is what desires are product of. I am unable to wait. It should be an thrilling surroundings. The sport speaks for itself, the historical past of the sport, and the wonderful gamers that performed in it.”
Duke (21-1, 10-0) is alone atop the league standings whereas North Carolina (18-4, 6-3) is tied for fifth, with 4 consecutive victories.
There are certain to be numerous storylines unfolding on the Dean Smith Middle, the place the Tar Heels have received all 13 outings this season.
On the floor, essentially the most notable matchup will contain freshmen Cameron Boozer of Duke and Caleb Wilson of North Carolina.
Boozer is tied for second within the nation with a mean of 23.3 factors per recreation, whereas Wilson, who checks in at 20 ppg, could possibly be on observe to set the Tar Heels’ freshman scoring document
“Clearly, we all know how large a deal the rivalry is,” Boozer mentioned of the all-time collection, which Duke trails 145-120, in response to the NCAA.
Jon Scheyer has performed within the rivalry for Duke, and he now coaches the Blue Devils.
“As a participant you recognize the problem,” he mentioned. “And as a coach, you do, too.”
North Carolina coach Hubert Davis is a former participant for the Tar Heels, so he is conscious of the depth that accompanies this conflict. His gamers are tuned in on that as nicely.
“I’ve at all times watched on TV,” North Carolina freshman guard Johnathan Powell mentioned. “At all times heard it since I used to be little. So being blessed with this chance to be on this crew and to go on the market and to compete with my guys. I am prepared.”
Each groups are coming off double-figure dwelling victories this week, with North Carolina holding off Syracuse 87-77 on Monday and Duke topping Boston Faculty 67-49 on Tuesday.
The Tar Heels noticed a 32-point lead dip to 6 factors earlier than ending off Syracuse.
“We have now stretches of brilliance, after which we’ll go stretches the place we’re making a number of errors consecutively, and that is one thing that now we have to work on and get higher at,” Davis mentioned.
Duke scored 25 factors within the second half in opposition to Boston Faculty, marking the bottom complete in any half this season for the Blue Devils. Scheyer, nevertheless, was capable of savor his crew’s defensive effort and enhancements in that space.
“The principle factor is simply that the main target and energy has been there,” he mentioned. “I am actually happy with that.”
Previous video games are certain to be distant recollections by the point tip-off arrives for the primary Duke-North Carolina recreation of the season.
Duke ahead Maliq Brown mentioned it is a particular recreation anytime the Blue Devils and Tar Heels meet.
“You come to Duke to play most of these video games,” Brown mentioned. “You are at all times on that sort of stage and taking part in in any such recreation.”
–Area Stage Media
