UNC Basketball: 3 keys to beating Duke in Final Four matchup

Caleb Love

There is no advanced complex solution to beating Duke, let’s start off with that. Particularly because they aren’t invincible and North Carolina has beaten them once already. Caleb Love enjoys playing against Duke which was his dream school before his commitment to North Carolina. You could see he thrives in the high octane uncomfortable setting when playing against Duke. He may even personally have it circled on his calendar these last two years so there is good belief that the Final Four matchup will be a spectacular showcase for him.

Coincidentally, Love averages 18 ppg in both the NCAA tournament and against Duke, silencing the doubters. His shot confidence is like no other. Once he sees one go down it’s almost certain that the barrage of shots from Love will occur. Love’s shot-making will bode well for the Tar Heels against Duke because it puts pressure on the Duke guards to pick up closer to half-court which inadvertently creates dribble-drive actions for the Tar Heels, something they really excel in.

North Carolina can also take a blueprint out of Virginia Tech ACC Championship win over Duke noting that it is difficult for Duke to defend the perimeter. Defensively, if Love can limit Duke guards from easily entering the lane it will make Bacot’s job much easier. Defense is all about effort and if Love shows an ounce of it North Carolina has a chance.