Duke: For a Duke team, this is a funk. Losers of two of three at home after a second best in school history mark of 45 straight home wins, the Devils need a momentum changer. Austin Rivers is continuing to transform into the best player on this team, and we have known for a while now that he is the most talented. He may be the key for them in this game as his ability to get past Harrison Barnes (especially with Barnes' bad ankle) and then finish at the rim against the trees in the paint for UNC could be the difference. Look for Coach K to be working both on having River pull up from the elbow and dish out to guards who may be getting free after help defense if Rivers can get by Barnes.
North Carolina: If you're Carolina you gotta like your chances right now. You are playing better basketball than your rivals and the Dean Dome will be sold out for the home game your fans look forward to most. In recent weeks it starts with Kendall Marshall for UNC. The sophomore point guard is leading the conference in assists and will be working against a struggling Duke perimeter defense. If Marshall gets in the lane you can basically chalk up two points for either Tyler Zeller or John Henson. Zeller has been playing especially well recently, averaging around 19 points and 12 boards his last four games. Watch out for how he does against the Plumlee brothers, and further how Henson's length and post-up ability matches up against Ryan Kelly.
Key Player: Tyler Thornton, Duke- Thornton is Duke's best defender and his ability to stop penetration by Marshall will be key. UNC loves to run but in the halfcourt they can be just as dangerous if Marshall has room to work. Look for Thornton to try and stop the driving lanes, and Coach K to send Quinn Cook and Seth Curry after the Carolina point guard if Thornton cannot get it done.
Prediction: North Carolina 89, Duke 77- Too much talent on this Carolina team to lose at home. If Duke wants a win in this rivalry this year I don't see it happening away from Cameron.
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