Duke vs. North Carolina: 5 Predictions for Best Rivalry in College Hoops

It’s one of the most anticipated games every year, not only in the ACC but in all of college basketball—Duke versus North Carolina.

Both teams almost always have nationally competitive teams, and this year is no exception.

As of last week, Duke was ranked No. 5 in the ESPN/USA Today, and North Carolina was right behind at No. 6.

The two rivals are battling for first place in the ACC (as always), so plenty is on the line (as always) as these teams meet up for the first time this season Wednesday night.

With first place in the ACC up for grabs, here are some bold predictions for one of the best rivalries in college basketball. 

1. Austin Rivers Will Lead All Scorers

Rivers' talent has been doubted by critics intermittently during the season, but the highly recruited freshman has prevailed through all.

He may not be playing at the level that most expected him to be at, but Rivers has come in clutch for the Blue Devils this season.

Although Duke lost on the road to Ohio State, Rivers was able to put up a game-high 22 points.

It wasn’t enough to beat the Buckeyes, but it was still impressive to see the young freshman lead the game in scoring. 

2. North Carolina Will Lead at Halftime

With Tar Heels fans on its back, North Carolina will come out strong in the first half and will most likely have a four- or five-point lead going into the half.

The fans will be pumped up as the Tar Heels jog into the locker room with an extra jump in their step. 

3. Rebounds Won’t Decide the Game

The rebounding discrepancy between these two rivals is very significant, but it won’t play a key role in this game.

North Carolina is first in the country in rebounding (46.3 per game), and Duke is far behind at No. 125 in the country (35.6 per game).

Duke doesn’t have the frontcourt, and North Carolina has John Henson and Tyler Zeller averaging a combined 19.7 rebounds per game.

However, Coach K and his assistants know this very well and will formulate a game plan that plays within Duke’s own strengths.

The huge discrepancy in rebounds won’t decide the game. 

4. Turnovers Will Decide the Game

Both teams average an identical 13 turnovers per game.

North Carolina owns the player with the most individual average turnovers on both teams—Kendall Marshall with 2.7 per game.

However, Duke’s Austin Rivers and Seth Curry average a combined 4.7 turnovers per game, which isn't very reassuring for the Blue Devils as they take on their biggest rival on the road.

Will the Blue Devils crack under the pressure of Chapel Hill or will the Tar Heels get too comfortable on their home court and get sloppy with the ball?

5. Duke Will Win the Game

All the signs point towards a North Carolina victory—rebounds, frontcourt, home-court advantage—pretty much everything.

However, with a rivalry game, everything is thrown off-kilter.

Coach K will come out determined to show the nation why Duke was ranked one spot ahead of North Carolina and come out with a winning game plan.

North Carolina will probably be leading at the half, but Coach K should be able to make the necessary adjustments to give his team an edge in the second half. He’s going against an excellent coach in Roy Williams, so it will be difficult, but he has a good chance to get it done.

After a tough home loss against Miami, Duke will have to be in prime form in order to beat North Carolina on the road, so it won't be easy. However, if the Blue Devils' shooting is on, they'll emerge victorious.

Predicted score: Duke 74, UNC 72

Regardless of whether you’re a Duke or North Carolina fan or just a neutral spectator, enjoy one of the best rivalries in sports. It’s going to be an excellent game.

North Carolina vs. Duke—9 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN/ ACC Network

Online: Play-by-Play; ESPN3.com (live online broadcast)

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