3 Key Duke vs UNC Matchups That Will Determine the ACC Champion
By Cem Yolbulan
RJ Davis vs. Jeremy Roach
This is not necessarily a one-on-one matchup as Davis and Roach don't usually guard each other for extensive periods. Tyrese Proctor will likely get the Davis matchup once again and Elliott Cadeau will try to slow down Roach for North Carolina. But Roach and Davis have been attached at the hip in terms of the trajectories of their collegiate careers, and how each of them performs will be a big determining factor in the outcome.
Senior guards have played against each other a whopping eight times already. UNC has won five of these matchups. This is a rarity in today's college basketball landscape. Despite Davis having taken a huge step forward this year and being one of the best players in the country, two players have a very similar production throughout this rivalry.
In eight games against the Tar Heels, Roach averages 13.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game on 43.1% shooting. Davis, on the other hand, is averaging 12.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists on 40% shooting from the field.
Davis didn't play his best game in the first matchup between the two teams as he shot 5-14 from the field for 17 points. Roach was more productive on the offensive end, but Duke struggled with turnovers, allowing transition opportunities to the Tar Heels, which sealed their fate.
Both teams will turn to their upperclassmen to organize them offensively and lead them to glory. Whoever makes fewer mistakes and makes more shots will have the upper hand.