Perhaps, it was North Carolina's struggles or Duke's vulnerability or that undefeated Kentucky wasn't playing in the game – and John Calipari's Wildcats own the college basketball universe these days — but there didn't seem to be the same anticipation for Wednesday night's renewal of the Tobacco Road Rivalry.
Then the game started and we were treated to another Duke-North Carolina classic, a 92-90 overtime victory by the Blue Devils that had a little bit of everything.
Here are our four takeaways:
1. Tyus Jones isn't in the running to be the No. 1 pick like fellow Duke freshman Jahlil Okafor, but he's almost as valuable. The tiny McDonald's All-American has been at his best in Duke's biggest games, and with Okafor not his dominant self because of a tweaked left ankle, Jones took over down the stretch, forcing overtime by scoring the final nine points of regulation to dig the Blue Devils out of a five-point deficit with 1:23 left. It was the best performance we've seen from Jones, who had 22 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, rivaling his effort in a December win over Wisconsin.
Duke freshman Tyus Jones (5) lofts a shot during his career night.Photo: Getty Images
2. North Carolina remains an enigma, and this loss was a perfect example. The Tar Heels went from nearly getting run out of the building, down 13 points in the first half, to looking like they would win going away to dropping a heartbreaker in overtime. Their defense, in key moments, was a sieve. It wouldn't surprise us to see this team make a deep March run or lose in its NCAA Tournament opener. The only thing predictable about North Carolina is its unpredictability.
3. Yes, Okafor suffered a left ankle injury, which limited his mobility. And yes, 12 points and 13 rebounds is a quality outing under the circumstances. But his defense – or lack thereof in this case – is a concern. He just doesn't make an impact on the defensive end. North Carolina forwards Kennedy Meeks, Brice Johnson and J.P. Tokoto got whatever and wherever they wanted in the second half.
Coaches Mike Krzyzewski and Roy Williams (top) huddle with both teams before the game to remember Dean Smith.Photo: Getty Images
4. Dean Smith, the legendary North Carolina coach who passed away Feb. 7 and meant so much to this rivalry, was fondly remembered before the contest. The two coaches, Duke's Mike Krzyzewski and North Carolina's Roy Williams, shared an embrace at midcourt as players from both teams put their arms around each other's shoulders for a moment of silence to honor Smith. Duke fans wore T-shirts that read: "Dean."
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