4-0

Thanks in large part to Tywon Lawson's second half and the poise of experince, the Boys in Baby Blue managed to make it four straight victories at Cameron Indoor Stadium with a 101-87 win. There are a few things to take away from this game as it relates to the big picture:

1) Anyone who tries to run with Carolina will eventually get run out (of the gym). There was not a great deal of consternation in my recliner at halftime (which lasted 17 seconds thanks to my DVR) because Duke was more than willing to try and run. Possessions were rushed and shots were flying quickly, and not always from the right player/spot on the court for Coach K's squad. Though Duke played more guys, the Devils seemed to tire out more quickly than Carolina. I don't think that is the only reason for missed jump shots, but it certainly plays a factor.

2) 15 points. That's what is needed from the bench. The total output of Frasor, Drew II, Davis, and Copeland needs to be approximately 15 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, a couple blocks (thanks Ed), great defense and minimal turnovers. Wednesday night saw 17 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, a block, good defense and 3 turnovers. Very close across the board. Depth is not as important in college basketball except to combat injuries and foul trouble. I hope the Heels are done with injuries, but foul trouble is sure to come at some point. Regardless, the depth that this team does have should be counted on for these types of numbers moving forward. Chalk that up as another reason for victory.

3) Carolina = W when Ty Lawson > Point Guards X, Y, Z. Prior to the UVA game in Charlottesville, coming off two straight league losses, a friend in Blacksburg inquired about the struggles of "my boys". I told him that Carolina will go as far as Ty Lawson takes us. When asked about the game prior to Wednesday night, I said "I feel like we go as far as Ty Lawson carries us". In the two losses thus far, Lawson was badly outplayed by Rice and Teague. For Carolina to achieve its goal of an NCAA Tournament Championship, Lawson will have to be at his best against the best point guards. Any team without a great point guard really does not stand much of a chance. Which brings me to Duke...

4) Duke cannot win a title with a mediocore point guard. College basketball is dominated by point guard play. They control the tempo, distribute the ball, and run rampant in the lane. Duke has not had a great point guard since Chris Duhon. The team has failed to make the Final Four since 2004, when their point guard was...Chris Duhon. Coincidence? Much is made of the Devils' lack of a great big man, and for good reason. A good center scores you easy buckets in the lane and rebounds the ball, securing important possessions. But a great point guard can dominate a game (see Lawson, Ty) and Duke has not had the luxury of one in five years.

5) The secret is back out I'm afraid. Carolina had sort of sunk under the radar for a while, toiling behind other teams who notched the number one ranking, both nationally and in the league. Now alone at 8-2 on top of the ACC standings, the Heels are back to having a huge bullseye on their backs and plenty of sweet musings in their ears. Dealing with the expectations was tough back in January and it will only get worse as this season rolls on. Even though fans have been encouraged to Enjoy the Ride, the media will have none of it. I personally have no problem with this team putting it on cruise control at times as long as they understand what it will take to win those last six games. Hopefully they will continue to get better defensively and get their minds right for what is sure to be a pressure-packed final six weeks.

While last night may not go down in Carolina/Duke lore as one of the all-timers, it was certainly a highly-competitive game, well-played, well-coached, and well-officiated. Everyone brought their A-game. For now at least, Carolina's A-game is better than Duke's. We'll see what happens when the rivalry renews on what is sure to be an emotional evening in Chapel Hill on March 7th Until then, I've still got eight classic Carolina/Duke games on my DVR to get me through the days.

Rah Rah Caro-lina-lina...