Duke, UNC Clash in High-Stakes Rivalry Showdown This Saturday

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The stage is set for a pivotal ACC rivalry showdown as the University of North Carolina (20-13, 13-6 ACC) takes on second-ranked Duke University (27-3, 18-1 ACC) this Saturday at 6:30 p.m., at the Smith Center. Both teams are eyeing significant postseason implications, with the Tar Heels looking to bolster their NCAA Tournament chances and the Blue Devils aiming for their first outright ACC regular-season championship since 2022.

Duke enters the match aiming to complete a series sweep after claiming a 17-point victory against UNC earlier this season at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils, under head coach Jon Scheyer, are currently ranked as a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament projections, while UNC finds itself just outside of the projected field, needing a victory to improve its odds.

“We have to play our best basketball,” said UNC senior RJ Davis, who is set to play his final home game and is the third-leading scorer in ACC history with 2,620 career points. “This is a huge game for us.”

The stakes for Duke are high as a victory would secure the program’s first outright ACC regular-season title since 2022. A win would also provide Duke a firm hold on the top seed for the upcoming ACC Tournament. However, a loss could open the door for teams like Louisville and Clemson to seize that number one position.

“Every game counts right now; we need to keep our momentum going as we head into March,” said Duke star freshman Cooper Flagg, who has made a significant impact this season. Flagg is one of the standout players for the Blue Devils, averaging nearly 20 points per game, and performed exceptionally in the previous matchup against UNC.

Analysis shows that the Tar Heels are one of the hottest three-point shooting teams in the nation, connecting on 47.8% over their last six games, trailing only Colorado State. RJ Davis, the reigning ACC Player of the Year, has been a key contributor, hitting nine three-pointers in his last three games. However, the Blue Devils boast a strong defensive presence, having allowed only 28 of 110 attempts (25.4%) from beyond the arc in their last five contests.

Regardless of past performance, the game promises excitement from both sides. UNC’s point guard, Elliot Cadeau, must limit turnovers after contributing to five of the team’s 14 turnovers in the last meeting. The freshman is crucial for the Tar Heels if they hope to pull off an upset against the formidable Blue Devils.

Isaiah Evans and Ian Jackson are also expected to be pivotal players in this matchup. Evans, providing instant offense off the bench for Duke, has been a shooting threat, while Jackson has surged for UNC, scoring double figures in five of his last six games.

As the Tar Heels aim to rally for a much-needed victory, they must succeed both offensively and defensively to contend against a Duke team that has shown both dominance and resilience this season. The pressure is on as both teams prepare to leave it all on the court in this historic rivalry.