Duke vs UNC: Rivalry Game Will Prove Both Teams Are Threats in March

The UNC Tar Heels take on the Duke Blue Devils tonight in the first of two scheduled regular-season matchups between the ACC foes.

Regardless of who wins or loses, it’s going to prove that these are two of the best teams in the nation and both should be feared when they enter the NCAA tournament.

North Carolina is the favorite to win tonight, with their imposing front line and NBA-ready swingman, Harrison Barnes, leading the way.

But you can never discount Duke, who has one of the best coaches in the game, Mike Krzyzewski, and a number of players with the heart and desire necessary to overcome an opponent as tough as UNC.

There are things both teams need to work on in order to make a Final Four run next month and their weaknesses will most likely get exploited tonight.

Duke’s defensive issues are their main problem, as they are last in the ACC in field-goal defense and in the middle of the pack for rebounding, steals and blocks.

However, they offset this by employing a number of snipers on the offensive end.

They are first in field-goal percentage and three-point percentage while scoring 79.8 points per game on average.

UNC’s only glaring fault is their lack of three-point range, which could come back to haunt them if the Dukies' three-balls start falling.

Expect Coach K to try and neutralize John Henson and Tyler Zeller’s fearsome inside presence by allowing his players to bomb away from deep.

By the same token, Tar Heels coach Roy Williams will be looking to pound it inside early and often.

It’s going to be an exciting game and one that should come down to the wire, proving both teams are to be feared during March Madness.