Low Down: UNC vs. Duke

Updated: 02/09/12 12:33am
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No. 5 North Carolina will take on No. 10 Duke Wednesday at 9 .m. at the Smith Center. See how the two teams compare.

Zeller vs. Plumlee

Mason Plumlee is the only Blue Devil to have started all 23 of Duke’s games this season, but Tyler Zeller has shown the same, if not more, consistency for UNC this season. Plumlee averages slightly more rebounds per game, but Zeller is the more reliable scorer.

Edge: Zeller

Henson vs. Kelly

Ryan Kelly is Duke’s best 3-pointshooter and could draw John Henson out to the perimeter, potentially limiting his shot blocking. But Henson’s length still helps make him one of the best defenders in the nation. This key match-up is too close to call.

Edge: Push

Barnes vs. Dawkins

Harrison Barnes has a history of delivering in the clutch for the Tar Heels, while Andre Dawkins might be one of the most inconsistent players on Duke’s roster. Barnes tops Dawkins in just about every statistical category. Wednesday’s game should be the same.

Edge: Barnes

Bullock vs. Rivers

Austin Rivers is Duke’s leading scorer so far this season, while Bullock is just now getting his feet wet as a starter for the Tar Heels. Bullock has shined defensively for UNC lately, but Rivers is a proven offensive weapon for the Blue Devils that will be tough to top.

Edge: Rivers

Marshall vs. Curry

Seth Curry might be a little more of a shooting threat, and he averages more than 12 points per game. But Kendall Marshall’s 3.42 assist-to-turnover ratio — the second best in the nation — gives the Tar Heels the slight edge when it comes to the total package.

Edge: Marshall

Bench

Injuries have depleted UNC’s reserves, and the ones that remain have struggled offensively lately. UNC had just six points off the bench against Maryland.

Edge: Duke

Intangibles

North Carolina has won 31 straight games in the Smith Center, but after dropping a game Sunday to Miami, the Blue Devils will be out for blood.

EDGE: Push

The Bottom Line — North Carolina 83, Duke 79

Published February 8, 2012 in Men's basketball, Sports

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