Keeping It Heel
Fansided

UNC Basketball program hosts rival Duke on ‘Senior Night’

By Nick Delahanty

Nov 7, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Leaky Black (1) comes up the court with the ball and forward Armando Bacot (5) against the North Carolina-Wilmington Seahawks during the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Leaky Black (1) comes up the court with the ball and forward Armando Bacot (5) against the North Carolina-Wilmington Seahawks during the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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The final game of the regular season is upon us, as the UNC basketball program looks to defeat rival Duke on Saturday night in Chapel Hill.

It’s ‘Senior Night’ for the UNC basketball program, as they’ll host rival Duke in the final game of the 2022-2023 regular season on Saturday night.

19-11. 434. Saturday, March 4, 2023. ESPN. 441. UNC -3. 6:30 PM EST. 22-8

For the 260th time, these two Blue Blood programs will meet in this historic rivalry. With their NCAA Tournament hopes on the line, the Tar Heels are looking for a win in front of their home crowd to send the seniors off in the right fashion.

Five Tar Heels will be honored as part of ‘Senior Night’ festivities: Armando Bacot, Leaky Black, Justin McKoy, Pete Nance, and Jackson Watkins. Although some of the players have the potential to come back for another season, the five will be honored as if it is, in fact, their last time competing at the Dean Smith Center.

Duke got the upper hand when the two met a month ago in Durham. Can North Carolina defend its home court?

Key to Victory for North Carolina

When these two teams last met, North Carolina struggled from beyond the arc.

Struggling from deep, the Tar Heels made an effort to attack the basket, but Dereck Lively had a field day blocking shots.

Of course, getting Armando Bacot going early will help, but the Tar Heels need to be consistent offensively to win this game.

The recent emergence of Pete Nance should help, as his ability to knock down shots should help open up the floor. Both Nance and Leaky Black could make major impacts, as the two veterans have been playing at a high level over the last few weeks of the regular season.

Something to Watch For

Speaking of Black, he’ll be setting UNC basketball program history when he takes the court on Saturday night.

In what will be his final game at the Dean Smith Center, what kind of performance will we see from the fifth-year senior? If his history with the program indicates what we’re in store for, expect a lockdown defensive performance with some timely offensive production as well.

Last Meeting

Duke won the first matchup of the season 63-57 in front of its home crowd.

North Carolina made just 24 of its 70 shot attempts, including just seven of 27 three-point field goal attempts. Both Bacot and Black had double-double performances, while Caleb Love and RJ Davis scored in double-figures.

Projected Starters

Armando Bacot
Leaky Black
Justin McKoy
Pete Nance
Jackson Watkins

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