We think we are getting value here with a buy low UNC team who is usually a huge public backed squad. Tonight it appears that the public will side w/ NCSU due to their recent string of ACC wins, and UNC's national television blowout vs FSU, and the highly reported loss of Strickland...

Lets touch on NCSU first, they are tied for first atop of the ACC, but this record is deceiving. Their wins are over Maryland, Wake Forest, Boston College and Miami in conference play. Their lone loss is to GT...All just average teams were picked in the bottom half of the ACC this season...NCSU has lost to all quality opponents this year with the likes of Cuse, Vandy, and Indiana...All at home. Bottom line, they have a stellar conference record so far beating up on the bottom feeders of the weak ACC. The ACC teams NCSU has defeated have a record of 9-16 and have no better than a RPI of 127.

Now for UNC, we think we will see a highly motivated UNC squad coming off a confident 2nd half blowout/lockdown of VT after trailing at HT...The loss of Strickland is a huge factor as he was the primary defender of an opponents go-to players. With the loss of Strickland, UNC will add the bonus of offense with the prolific play of Hairston and Bullock. Bullock will start in place of Strickland. He has the tools and the scoring ability to make up for the loss of Strickland. Hairston is also an underrated defender who was recruited primarily as a 3 point sharpshooter...

As for the Marshall losing his back up PG in Strickland, UNC will be able to deal with this. White will only have to play limited minutes as Marshall can average over 35 mins per game. In fact, it was over this number for last years last 9 conference games and all of the post season games...The backup PG issue shouldn't be a factor unless Marshall gets in foul trouble which he rarely does.

If UNC comes into this contest with a hunt to kill mentality and smart defensive play (like the play exhibited in the 2nd half vs VT) than UNC can and will win this one...The early knockout blow is key to get the crowd energized and get State to hang their heads early.