Tobacco Road is not a friendly place

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The ultimate college rivalry is about to take place.

We have all seen Hansbrough’s broken nose and heard Coach K swear, but no matter the records, players or storylines, we still get excited every year for the throw down in North Carolina.

This week’s episode will be played in Chapel Hill, where UNC has won 31 in a row. Duke hasn’t lost on the road in ACC play this season, so something has to give in Wednesday’s clash.

North Carolina leads the nation in scoring and rebounding, and will not be an easy match-up for the Blue Devils, who are coming off of a big letdown against Miami at home. Sophomore guard Harrison Barnes is as talented as any player in the country, and will be able to run the floor and score in transition faster than the Blue Devils will be able to get back on defense.

Duke is lead by guards Seth Curry and Austin Rivers, as well as the big Plumlee brothers. Mason and Miles Plumlee will need to be at their best to out-rebound the Tar Heels, who will be looking for second-chance points. They will also need to run the floor well, as UNC point guard Kendall Marshall loves to push the ball in transition and make opponents pay when they fall asleep.

I think this game could be a one-sided contest. North Carolina is an offensive beast, while Duke’s defense has struggled all season. Combine that with Henson’s ability to block shots in the post – eliminating the Plumlees – and you could see this game get ugly in Chapel Hill.

UNC 85

Duke 72

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