Obviously, anything can happen in this rivalry, as has been demonstrated on numerous occasions, but I think the Blue Devils have the advantage tonight.
The most important factor in my mind is defense. Defense is what will win this game for Duke, and it is what will lose this game for Carolina. Duke has the best defense in the ACC, and one of the best in the country. Virginia Tech head coach Seth Greenberg said on 99.9 The Fan a few days ago that Duke plays harder than any team in the country (Ask Sidney Lowe about that talent).
Let's be honest. UNC's defense is less than stellar. It's there. It's not absolutely horrible. But it's not great. Duke is going to try to get in the grill of Quentin Thomas, and I suspect Thomas will have a more difficult time playing tonight than he did against Florida State. Remember this - Thomas won't have a back-up either.
Lawson was also Carolina's best defender. Ouch.
So, Carolina fans, is Lawson's departure the death of the Heels? No. Sure, you're going to lose some speed, but how many teams in America have a point guard on the team that can run from one side of the court to the other in the blink of an eye? One - Carolina. Thomas isn't as fast, but neither is anyone on the Duke team. I would be more concerned about the turnovers and defensive loss than anything else.
I love Duke-Carolina games. So much hype, so much fun, such great games.
Pop some popcorn, turn on the HD, and grease your elbows *cough* this is going to be a good one!
(Just to go on record... I'm picking Duke to win it 86-78.)
