Raving Rivalry: UNC vs. Duke

The stage is set for biggest rivalry in college basketball. But at the beginning of the season, did you think it would be this dramatic? Let me answere that. No. I know you didn't think Carolina and Duke would be battling for first place in the ACC. Since the start of the season the consesus has been, Duke is the best team in the ACC. And the question has been, "who is the second best team in the ACC"? Well that question will be answered Wednesday when #21 UNC travels eight miles to take on #5 Duke.

These two teams have had very different seasons but each with their own obstacles. Duke was the favorite to repeat as National Champions until their star point guard Kyrie Irving got injured on December 5. Since Irving's absence, Duke has been exposed twice, including a 93-78 beatdown against St. John's. 

Carolina has been up and down all season. Their wake up call was a 20 point smashing by Georgia Tech three weeks ago. UNC is also adjusting to the transfer of former guard Larry Drew II.

However, both teams seem to be playing their best basketball now, so there will be no excuses when they tip-off. This same UNC team that was blown out by Georgia Tech has won five straight games and beaten teams by an average of 23 points. Duke looks nothing like the team that was taken to the woodshed against St. John's just two weeks ago. Since that game the Blue Devils hammered Maryland by 18, and NC State by 24.

It's as if these two teams were trying to send a message to each other. A win for Duke will let everyone know they're still king of the hill. A win for Carolina will say to everyone..."we're baaaaack"!