
File photo by Chris Baird
Hairston's quick trigger has kept defenses on alert
Eyeing the primetime tilt versus the Blue Devils, the game stands out both for what it represents and what it doesn't. Carolina doesn't need the victory to make the NCAA Tournament, which is now a given. The Tar Heels also secured a bye past the first round of the ACC Tournament, so that's also off the table.
Perhaps the outcome will slot where it always does when the archrivals square off, somewhere cemented in the minds of fans on both sides, but there's also greater symbolic value for Carolina.
For one thing, the most recent shot taken by Duke at the Smith Center resulted in a highlight that has become pervasive and unwelcome within the UNC fanbase. Last February, freshman Austin Rivers buried a deep three as time expired to lift Duke to a stirring upset win.
Even more than getting revenge for last month's defeat at Cameron — which Roy Williams used as a stalking horse to make a permanent lineup change — placing the Rivers debacle into the background stands out as a priority.
Further, this matchup reminds me of 1997. That year, in Dean Smith's final season as head coach, Carolina began its ACC campaign with three consecutive losses and appeared vulnerable to an NIT appearance. The Heels demonstrated improvement in a competitive loss at Duke, then won 16 consecutive games en route to a Final Four appearance. Sounds like a familiar setup, right?
The Heels had begun to roll through ACC opponents prior to the rematch, but you got the sense their streak wouldn't be legitimized unless they prevailed over Duke to close the regular season. They accomplished just that — despite an extremely hot Blue Devil club that day — and won another seven games to close Smith's career.
So Carolina needs to win this game a little more than it typically does. This win streak is equal parts inspiring and fragile, and asking a Roy Williams team to generate momentum during the ACC Tournament — or, “a great cocktail party,” as he dismissively terms it — may be unrealistic.
Not like anyone needed extra incentive to watch the game, anyway. See you Saturday night.