Matchup Of The Week

DUKE AT NORTH CAROLINA
THURSDAY, FEB. 5

With Duke and North Carolina having played the best basketball
of the season, fans yearning for a momentous college game turn
their eyes to Chapel Hill and ask, Is this a preview of the
March 30 national championship game in San Antonio?

Through Sunday the Blue Devils (18-1, 7-0 in the ACC) had not
lost a game since Dec. 13, even though their top scorer and
rebounder, freshman Elton Brand, suffered a season-ending foot
injury on Dec. 27. The biggest reason for that success has been
6'8" senior forward Roshown McLeod, a 1995 transfer from St.
John's who has averaged 15.2 points per game in Brand's absence.

But do the Blue Devils have enough inside strength to contend
with North Carolina's Antawn Jamison, a strong candidate for
national player of the year honors? Through Sunday, Jamison had
averaged 25.0 points over his last 11 games, and along with
senior guard Shammond Williams (15.0 points, 4.8 assists per
game), gives the Tar Heels (20-1, 6-1) one of the most potent
inside-outside attacks in the nation.

The other key to watch is the point guard battle between Steve
Wojciechowski (far left) and Ed Cota (5). It should be spirited.

The winner of this game will have the inside track on the No. 1
seed in the East Regional and, thus, the chance to play the
third and fourth rounds of the NCAA tournament in nearby
Greensboro. But San Antonio is the ultimate destination, and
these two teams are looking more destined to meet there every
day.

--SETH DAVIS

COLOR PHOTO: JIM GUND [Steve Wojciechowski and Ed Cota in game]