The North Carolina Tar Heels shocked the basketball world a few weeks back when Seth Trimble nailed a game-winning three-pointer with mere seconds left on the clock, toppling their arch-rivals, the Duke Blue Devils. But, as the dust settled, the Tar Heels faced a setback with star freshman Caleb Wilson suffering a fractured hand in a subsequent game. This injury seemed to tilt the scales in favor of the Blue Devils as they eyed a rematch.
Fast forward to today, and there's a twist in the tale. According to ESPN's Dave O'Brien, Caleb Wilson is expected to make his return just in time for the much-anticipated second showdown between these in-state foes.
Wilson's performance in the first encounter was nothing short of stellar, racking up 23 points against Duke. Notably, he capitalized on free throws, matching the entire Duke roster in attempts, while the Tar Heels benefited from a significant disparity in foul calls. The Blue Devils were whistled for 15 personal fouls, compared to just seven against Carolina, with the Tar Heels remarkably going the entire second half without a single foul called against them.
However, the Blue Devils have since regrouped and are riding high after a thrilling victory over the then-No. 1 Michigan Wolverines, a win that propelled them to the top of the rankings. Leading the charge is Duke's own standout freshman, Cameron Boozer, who posted an impressive 24 points and 11 rebounds against the Tar Heels, with minimal reliance on free throws.
With both teams gearing up for the rematch, the stage is set for a classic battle. Wilson's rapid recovery adds another layer of intrigue, as the Blue Devils aim to turn the tables and reclaim their pride.
Mark your calendars for this can't-miss clash: the top-ranked Duke Blue Devils versus the No. 18 North Carolina Tar Heels, tipping off at 6:30 p.m.
ET on Saturday, March 7, live on ESPN. This rivalry promises to deliver all the drama and intensity that fans have come to expect.