Setting down a marker
The task at hand on Saturday is a huge one. At stake is likely UNC's last shot to get an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. Duke is a juggernaut this season, and they've been laying waste to poorer ACC teams. Their last two games, both at home, were won with 35 and 33 point margins.
It was important for North Carolina to not lose to Virginia Tech, which could have effectively ended their season. But it was also important to really thrash the Hokies, if for no other reason than to show Duke that they won't have it easy on Saturday.
During this win streak, Hubert Davis has found his winning formula, reverting to a traditional line-up with Drake Powell and Jae'Lyn Withers starting instead of Trimble and Jackson. Three seasons ago, his formula was playing the Iron Five, with absolutely minimal substitutions. Will this latest line-up variation unlock UNC's potential, beat Duke, and set up an incredible postseason run? If there was ever a time to believe it's possible, it's now.