lets begin with unc...arguably the most talented team in the country...they have played without Meeks and Paige for different stretches of the season, but are 100% healthy now...as for matching up with Duke, unc is relentless on the offensive glass while duke is very generous in allowing them...this should play a huge factor in this game...i expect the tar heels to have a much easier time getting buckets against a very weak duke interior defense, especially with Jefferson still sidelined with an injury...i just dont know how the devils are gonna matchup with unc in the paint and how good can duke shoot from 3 in this raucous road environment...as for duke, they just aren't as good as they perceive to be...they are stealing games at cameron, where they never lose, and squeaking by on the road against inferior opponents...winning just enough to keep their perception value higher than it really should be...imo, talent wise, without jefferson, they are mid pack acc...Finally, to qualify as an alert play for me, motivation is a key...the Tar heels were swept by duke last year and they will be as ready as ever tonight and when a great team is highly motivated and playing their biggest home game of the year, you will get max effort on both ends of the floor which will make them look even better than they already are...you can't put a value on energy...for a heels team that is known not to "bring it" every night...you can be certain they will this evening...not sure how duke stays around in this one and unc looked like they started a nice stretch of high quality play in their last against pitt...look for the more talented and hungry team to get a blowout win here in chapel hill....84-69...bol
