unc takes down duke
#3 North Carolina took down #7 Duke in the first matchup of two in the best rivalry in college basketball. Carolina took advantage of being at home, controlling the game the entire way and earning a 93-84.
The Tar Heels controlled the entire way with their elite defense, which is ranked 7th at kenpom.com in defensive efficiency. It’s been elite defense that has carried the Heels all year, and propelled them into the conversation for earning a one seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Duke’s lack of a true five man in the starting lineup got exposed in this one, as Armando Bacot got everything he wanted on the offensive end, going for 25 points and 10 rebounds. Especially in Bacot’s fifth season, which is also his worst statistically since his freshman or sophomore years, the inability for Duke to contain him inside poses major issues for the future for the Blue Devils.
Stanford transfer wing Harrison Ingram continues to have a stellar season for Carolina after a couple disappointing campaigns out west. He’s had a few games this year where he looks just as unstoppable on the offensive end as he does defensive, and his length and athleticism to be able to guard just about every position on the floor is a huge plus for Carolina. Ingram went for 21 points, 13 rebounds, and a crazy four steals. Going 5-9 from three point range, he was the X-Factor for the Heels all night, and when he’s at his best, this team can seriously contend for a national championship.
What I thought Duke needed to do to win this game was shut down RJ Davis, who has probably been playing better than any point guard in the country. And, they did just that. Davis did have 17, but on 14 shots and he didn’t even score until the second half. I was just wrong in thinking that was all the Blue Devils needed to focus on defensively, as they let Bacot and Ingram go for over 20, really sealing the deal.
Seth Trimble also provided a huge spark for UNC with 10, and as a player not really known for having a developed offensive game, he showed his ability to create himself.
As for Duke, it looked great offensively. Jared McCain, Kyle Filipowski, and Jeremy Roach all went for over 20 points. Besides the defensive struggles, I wonder if Duke has enough consistent scoring outside of those three guys to compete for a title.
Tyrese Proctor, who had been averaging 19 points over his previous three games, went 1-6 from the field for 2 points. After a really slow start to the year, I thought Proctor was coming into his former self. And this now shows for Duke to really compete, he’s got to be shooting well.
It can also definitely seem at times that Duke struggles a lot to find offense when outside shots aren’t going down. As the best 3 point shooting team in the ACC, Duke has been able to stay in games when the paint has been taken away due to having shooters everywhere. But, going 5-19 from 3 in this one, it didn’t look like Duke had any rhythm creating downhill towards the basket. Duke actually won the paint battle 54-36, but they struggle to stay consistent when it comes down to having to create inside consistently.
For UNC, I think this team is as good as any in the country. Absolutely elite defensively, have an All-American caliber leader in RJ Davis, and some extremely talented pieces around him such as Elliot Cadeau, Bacot, Ingram, and Cormac Ryan. After getting it done at home against their arch rival who just so happens to be a top 10 team nationally, the Heels are in a really good spot.
As for Duke, I think this team’s ceiling is definitely a Final Four or national championship appearance. But, it’s got a way to go, especially defensively. I think Jon Scheyer will figure out its consistent offensive game plan as the season goes on. This team is too talented and, with a lot of young pieces, it can take time to really gel together.
But defensively, the connection from the five guys on the floor needs to be so much better. Giving up 93 points to your rival on the road is just not going to cut it.
*all statistics taken from espn.com*