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.
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