Duke vs. North Carolina: College basketball game preview, TV schedule
Most often Duke and North Carolina tend to split the team’s regular-season meetings. But after winning their quarterfinal matchups, we all get to watch the rubber match. Who goes to the finals?
TV schedule: Friday, March 9, 9:00 p.m. ET. ESPN
Arena: Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York
We’re down to the semifinals of the 2018 ACC Tournament, and while the seeds may not say it, these have been the top four teams in the conference all season long. On one side, there are Virginia vs. Clemson. But the marquee matchup is of course on the other side of the bracket.
Duke was able to get to this game after dispatching a tired Notre Dame team, 88-70. Although only two Blue Devils scored in double figures, it was a monumental moment, as both Grayson Allen and Marvin Bagley III were finally able to play well together.
After missing a couple of weeks towards the latter end of the regular season, the All-American center looks 100% now, scoring 33 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. Allen set the tone early from the perimeter, making his first five three-point attempts in route to a 23 point outing.
It was easier for Duke than it was for North Carolina, who went down 14-0 to start their quarterfinals game with Miami. After Coach Roy Williams pulled the starters, the Tar Heels pulled it together to win 82-65 over the Hurricanes.
Luke Maye had his worst game ever, going 1/15 from the field for just two points. Joel Berry wasn’t much better, going 4/14. But Theo Pinson stepped up big in their places, going for 25 points and 11 rebounds on an efficient 9/12 shooting.
Next: UNC games won't be the same without Woody Durham
These two teams played less than a week ago, with Duke evening up the season series with a 74-64 win in Durham. Both teams still have plenty to play for, especially Duke who has an outside shot at a one seed. In what should be yet another instant classic between the two powerhouses, it’s anyone’s guess as to who will prevail.
Prediction: Duke 76 – North Carolina 74