Keeping It Heel
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UNC Basketball: Tar Heels vs Duke season finale preview

By Alec Lasley

Feb 9, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; The Cameron Crazies taunt North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) as he throws the ball in from the sidelines in the second half of their game against the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; The Cameron Crazies taunt North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) as he throws the ball in from the sidelines in the second half of their game against the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 28, 2017; Coral Gables, FL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) dribbles the ball up court against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Coral Gables, FL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) dribbles the ball up court against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Matchup to Watch

There is no question what the matchup to watch is. Kennard vs Jackson. Both players having ACC Player of the Year type seasons, and it all comes down to this game.

Kennard (19.9 ppg) has been shooting the ball lights out this year. Raising his two point percentage up from 42 to 51 percent and his three point percentage from 32 to 46 percent. Also adding in 5.2 rebounds a game and 2.6 assists a game.

The most consistent Blue Devil, Kennard has been there night in and night out. Finding little spaces in the defense to attack, or creating a shot that not many other players could do.

Against the Tar Heels earlier this year, Kennard had 20 points on 8-of-15 shooting and 4 rebounds.

He is coming off two-straight poor shooting performances against Miami and Florida State. In those games he was a combined 11-of-33 shooting, tying his worst two-game shooting stretch all year.

On the other side of the ball is Justin Jackson. Averaging 18.4 points per game,  4.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, Jackson has also been the best offensive player for the Heels.

Everyone talks about his ability to hit the long range shot this year. A career 30 percent three point shooter, Jackson is up to 39.3 percent this year. His ability to consistently make threes has made Carolina a National title contender.

In their first matchup, Jackson finished with a very efficient 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting and added 5 rebounds.

After a poor performance against Virginia on Monday (7 points on 3-of-10 shooting), look for him to bounce back in a big way.

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