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Duke Basketball: 2019-20 keys to beating North Carolina on the road

By Matthew Travis

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 22: Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski talks to Tre Jones #3 during the second half of their game against the Georgetown Hoyas at Madison Square Garden on November 22, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 22: Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski talks to Tre Jones #3 during the second half of their game against the Georgetown Hoyas at Madison Square Garden on November 22, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
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UNC Basketball
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 15: Cole Anthony #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Contain Cole Anthony

Yet again, North Carolina’s biggest weapon comes in the form of a point guard, this year it is Cole Anthony. Without Anthony, the Tar Heels have a record of 4-7, with Anthony they are 6-5, which just goes to show you how critical Anthony has been to this team.

With an average of 19.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, Anthony has undoubtedly been UNC’s best player and when at full strength, he is one of the best players in the nation.

Containing him is going to be the most important key to Duke beating UNC Saturday night. The question is, how can Duke do this?

Duke can do this very easily, through the use of Jordan Goldwire and Tre Jones on the defensive end. Goldwire and Jones (especially Goldwire) are phenomenal on the defensive end and if used properly, they will be able to contain Cole Anthony with ease.

Jordan Goldwire is known for his defense and against Pitt last week, he also showed his offensive capability. Goldwire set a new career-high with a total of 13 points, to also go along with five rebounds, three assists and a steal.

The fact that Goldwire showed his offensive capability JUST LAST WEEK shows that he should get more time on the court and against UNC, he will likely get just that. Goldwire plays an average of 22.5 minutes per game this season, up from only 8.6 last season and 6.5 the season before.

Since North Carolina has a star guard in Cole Anthony, you should expect to see Goldwire get 35 minutes on Saturday night. Goldwire has played 30 minutes or more, seven times this season and 35+ three times.

Against the Tar Heels, Duke will likely go with the starting lineup they have used in each of the last seven games and eight times overall:

Duke has used nine different starting lineups this season, but this appears to be the one that has been working. With Cole Anthony on the other end of the court, this is undoubtedly the best possible starting lineup for the Blue Devils.

Using Tre Jones and Jordan Goldwire, the Blue Devils will be able to contain Cole Anthony which will be the biggest key to winning this game.

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