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ACC Basketball: 2018-19 storylines for Duke vs. Virginia rematch

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 19: Mamadi Diakite #25 of the Virginia Cavaliers defends a shot by Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 19, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 72-70. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 19: Mamadi Diakite #25 of the Virginia Cavaliers defends a shot by Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 19, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 72-70. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 19: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils knocks a rebound away from De’Andre Hunter #12 of the Virginia Cavaliers during the first half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 19, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 19: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils knocks a rebound away from De’Andre Hunter #12 of the Virginia Cavaliers during the first half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 19, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

4. Zion Williamson Vs. De’Andre Hunter

The battle between sophomore forward De’Andre Hunter and freshman forward Zion Williamson could be the best of the season. There are probably zero players in the college game who are up to the task of guarding and being guarded by Zion Williamson, but De’Andre Hunter may be the closest thing to one. What he lacks in bulk, he makes up for in height and length. Neither will be assigned solely to the other all game with Duke’s potential to switch to zone and Virginia’s switch happy defense, but they will be the center of attention all night long.

Williamson went for 27 points, 9 rebounds, a block and two steals in the first meeting, while Hunter put up 18 and 4 with one steal. It will be important for Williamson to match this output. Duke can not afford Hunter closing the gap and equaling Williamson’s impact on the game.

Next. ACC Power Rankings. dark

At a level of competition where small forwards usually have to play up in position due to lack of size in the college game, in this match up, we get to see two huge small forwards play their natural positions. These are the best two teams in the country, and they are the best two players on these team. What more can you ask for on a College Basketball Saturday night?