Why Duke’s Supporting Cast Needs To Step Up at UNC

On today's episode of the Duke Blue Devils Insider Podcast, we went over why Duke's supporting cast is the key to success against UNC.

Jan 17, 2026; Stanford, California, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Isaiah Evans (3) celebrates his basket against the Stanford Cardinal in the first half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

The No. 4-ranked Duke Blue Devils are preparing for potentially their biggest game of the entire 2025-26 college basketball season, as they will head to Chapel Hill to take on No. 14 North Carolina (18-4, 6-3 ACC) in the first edition of the best rivalry college basketball has to offer. Tip-off is set for 6:30 pm ET on Saturday night.

Duke boasts one of the best resumes in all of college hoops thus far through the season. The Blue Devils are currently No. 3 in the NCAA NET Rankings with a 9-1 record in Quadrant 1, a 13-1 record across the first two quadrants, an 11-0 record at home, and a 7-0 record in true road games.

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Only Arizona, the No. 1 team in the AP Poll at 22-0 on the year, owns more Quadrant 1 victories than Duke.

Now, what makes this contest between the Blue Devils and Tar Heels different from any other recent year is how well the two squads match up on paper. Duke has made its money inside the paint and has been absolutely dominant in that area since conference play began.

Feb 3, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) drives to the basket as Boston College Eagles forward Aiden Shaw (23) defends during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images | Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

Over the Blue Devils' last five games, the Blue Devils have outscored their opponents 218-88 in the paint, a wild +130 advantage. Only one of Duke's opponents over that stretch has eclipsed 20 points inside the paint.

However, the three-point line hasn't been kind to the Blue Devils. Over that same stretch, Duke is just 29-of-97 (29.9%) from beyond the arc. Granted, it hasn't really mattered given Duke's mastery inside the paint. But that might be a challenge to continue against the Heels.

Jan 24, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer gestures during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images | Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

Jon Scheyer builds his rosters on defensive length and versatility, and it's no different in 2025-26. Duke is the second-tallest team in the nation, according to KenPom.

No team has been able to match the length at all positions on the floor that Duke boasts, but North Carolina is one of the few programs that can.

Jan 31, 2026; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Caleb Foster (1) calls the play during the first half at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images | Brian Bishop-Imagn Images

Duke’s Supporting Cast Needs To Step Up

UNC is the third-tallest team in the nation, according to KenPom, headlined by 7'0" Henri Veesaar and 6'10" Caleb Wilson down low.

At KenPom, UNC ranks just 55th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency, but ranks fifth nationally in opponent two-point shooting percentage (44.0).

Jan 24, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer (right) talks to forward Isaiah Evans (3) during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images | Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

Duke is a team that works inside-out, but it may need to utilize the three more often than it's used to against the Heels with a dominant frontcourt down low for Hubert Davis.

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