‘College GameDay’ expert Jay Bilas weighs in on the UNC vs. Duke X-factors.
We are just moments away from college basketball’s biggest rivalry, UNC vs. Duke, tipping off.
To nobody’s surprise, the event brought high ticket prices and welcomed ESPNs’ “College GameDay” to Chapel Hill. The crew is in town, giving predictions on UNC tournament hopes while signs are displayed behind them, and Tar Heel chants echo.
Before the crew gave their picks on live TV, I had the opportunity to speak with Jay Bilas, and he gave me his key players to watch in the rivalry showdown.
Bilas opened up with Duke’s X-factor first and whom he believes UNC will need to stop.
“For Duke Derek Lively II,” Bilas said. “He had his best game overall of the season against North Carolina. He had a double-figure rebounding game (14) and controlled the paint, blocking eight shots and changing a fair amount of others. So I think he is a wildcard and an X-factor if North Carolina can get into his body a little better instead of trying to avoid getting your shot block.
Bilas then offered who he believed were the X-factors for UNC.
“There are two guys, Pete Nance, I think, has been playing at a higher level over his last several games. I don’t know how much these cookies have to do with it, but keep eating them and Leaky Black. Duke helped off of certain players in the last game between Duke and North Carolina. When you have those kinds of open shots, you gotta make some of them, and you know Leaky Black has proven to be a good corner shooter.”
The first meeting saw Duke take it 63-57. However, with home-court advantage and backs against the wall, the Tar Heels need to come out with better energy and secure a big win late in the season.
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