A season series split between two rivalry schools has no affect on Saturday’s matchup between #2 seed Duke and #8 seed UNC, according to Mike Krzyzewski, who spoke with media Thursday.
Both teams are different. UNC is a lot better than the last meeting. Duke has matured through March. What has been impressive is the guard play from both teams. March is all about the backcourt and having a floor general lead your team in a hostile environment.
UNC path to the Final Four included wins versus Marquette, number one seed and reigning champion Baylor, UCLA and the real Cinderella of the tournament – 15th seeded St. Peter’s.
Head coach Hubert Davis he’s not worried about the Tar Heels’ the offense. The offense is there. His focus heading into Saturday’s game is creating havoc on the defensive end, getting into the passing lanes, communicating on the backend and playing together as one.
Duke players have said they’re not entering their third matchup of the season against the Tar Heels with a revenge mentality. Fully locking in, living in the moment and realizing the main objective of a national title is the only goal. As they told Carolina Blitz back in September, the only goal has always been to get to New Orleans. From defeating the number one defensive team in the country in Texas Tech, to upending a physical and athletic Arkansas team – Duke is on a mission.
The biggest game between both schools ever in the history of college basketball will be on full display Saturday night, and one thing is for certain, both teams are ready to leave it all on the line for all the marbles.
