T.M. Selection: Duke.

I like Duke to cover the spread against North Carolina in this game on Saturday. Duke has won 4 games in a row now and I expect them to extend that to 5 games after this. They have been struggling to get by a few of the opposing teams they have played lately but they just got a big win on the road by 10+ points and I think they can build off that win in this game. Their defense has looked a lot better lately and they haven't let an opposing team put up 70+ points on them in 4 games in a row. Their most recent game they won on the road by 10+ points and they only gave up 43 points in that game. Duke is finally back on top of the ACC and I think they will be extremely motivated to keep their position now that they have it. Duke is trying to send off coach K with a very nice final season coaching and the best way to accomplish that is to win their conference and a national title. I think Duke is going to be motivated to keep surging in their upcoming games and the year is winding down quickly. I think Duke is going to start making a big push now and a win against UNC here would be huge for them since UNC has started to look really good lately and now hold the 2nd place spot in the conference but a win here can tie them with Duke for an 8-3 record in conference play. I don't think Duke is going to allow that to happen and I expect them to get up against their rival school here for a huge win that keeps them on pace to win the conference. UNC has won 4 games in a row but they have not looked that good on defense lately. Their previous 2 games they gave up 80+ points to the opposing team and they weren't even playing anyone that good in the conference. I think defense is going to be key in this game and I expect Duke to play much better on defense since they have been lately and I expect them to get this win. I like Duke to cover the spread here.

T.M. Prediction: 79-69 Duke.