Every North Carolina coach, player and fan realizes that the big game on Sunday against rival Duke is sure to be the biggest game of the season. It is the rematch that will pit the top two games in the ACC and two of the best in the entire country. That said, this game against Virginia Tech on Wednesday night was a trap game for the Tar Heels of epic proportions. Nobody would have been surprised if the Heels looked past the Hokies towards Duke, but the Heels did not let that happen. That is a testament to the focus and coaching that this team has had of late.

The Heels whipped the Hokies when it mattered and found themselves on the winning track to the ACC title. Tyler Hansbrough was awesome as usual with yet another double double. His 22 points and 15 boards marked the 44th time Hansbrough has registered a double double in his storied Tar Heel career. The Tar Heels are alone atop the ACC standings with a 12-3 mark and are 26-3 overall. It is no surprise that the Heels are unbeaten outside the powerful ACC and it is a testament to the strength of the conference.

The Heels lead Duke by one game heading into the showdown on Sunday against them, and they are guaranteed at least a share of the ACC title having beaten the Blue Devils in Cameron already this year.

The Hokies on the other hand are in the middle of a late season swoon, and are likely to be excluded from the Big Dance on Selection Sunday barring some miracle work and losses from other teams. The Hokies seemed sure to be an at large pick at mid season as they were having a wonderful season. With this loss, the Hokies hopes are dwindling fast. They have lost seven of their last ten ball games. That is not how to get into the Big Dance. Still they face a powerful Florida St squad to end the season, and they have the conference tournament to try to impress the committee.

The Heels and Blue Devils will meet on Sunday at 4:00 to have the annual showdown at Carolina, and the Devils really want a share of the conference title. The game is sure to be a classic like always. Regardless of the outcome, the Heels and Devils are likely one or two seeds when the seedings for the tournament are released. Winning a few more games in the ACC tournament certainly would not hurt their chances at high seeds, however, and neither would a win over their biggest rival.

Tagged with: acc tournament, blue devils, north carolina, tar heels, tyler hansbrough, virginia tech

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