For whatever reason - actually the main reason is blind, Carolina-bred optimism - I like our chances as the Heels head to Durham to take on the right-wingers from Duke tonight.
There is lot of karma on both sides, but I think we have more: our four-game winning streak at Cameron, our own modest two-game winning streak, giving classy seniors Ginyard and Thompson a great way to go out (Ginyard said winning at Duke would be akin to April's national championship for him), Duke overconfidence and pressure to finally give their senior's a win over Carolina at Cameron.
All that could add up to a win.
But more importantly the Heels are playing better. Ginyard seems healthy, Thompson showed some toughness in the win over Miami, Drew is making better decisions, and though rusty at least Tyler Zeller is back.
Last night, ESPN Classic reran the 2006 win in Cameron that started the current winning streak. It was great reliving that game, and fun to watch Tyler Hansbrough dominate one more time, a fast Bobby Frasor making plays and clutch free throws, David Noel being David Noel, Rey-Rey's rebounding, key contributions by Byron Saunders, and Danny Green foreshadowing him big play-making with key plays late.
But I was most excited to remember how well Ginyard played in that game. He finished with 11 points off the bench - Carolina's starting lineup was Hansbrough, Terry, Noel, Frasor and Wes Miller, with a pretty talented bench; what a team - including a back-breaking coast-to-coast lay up off a missed free throw.
So I'm placing my faith in Marcus Ginyard tonight. I'm even about to visit his hometown, Alexandria, Virginia, this morning for a visit to the Toyota dealer. That's just too much karma for the Heels, and will hopefully be too much for the Devils tonight, too.
As always, GO HEELS!
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