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UNC-Duke: The X-Factors?

Is Brice Johnson UNC's x-factor Saturday night, or is one of the other Tar Heels?
Is Brice Johnson UNC's x-factor Saturday night, or is one of the other Tar Heels?

The team that emerges with a victory Saturday evening between UNC and Duke may be the one whose X-factor delivers the most.

Here, THI’s staffers offer our takes on who each team’s x-factors will be:

Deana King

UNC X-Factor: Brice Johnson - He wants the win against Duke bad and I don't think Duke has anyone to stop him. Duke X-Factor: Brandon Ingram - The freshman star is a hard matchup for the Heels. He is too tall for guards to cover and too versatile for post players.

Matthew Hatfield

UNC X-Factor: Joel Berry II - On the year, Berry is averaging 12.3 points per game, but he struggled with only eight points on 2-of-12 shooting and four fouls in the previous meeting, so if he can double that point production and avoid foul trouble, then UNC has to like its chances of winning.

Duke X-Factor: Marshall Plumlee - Despite four fouls, the big man hurt UNC last time with 11 points on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting to go with seven rebounds, numbers that if he gets again, could result in another Blue Devils win.

John Gwaltney

Duke X-Factor: Greyson Allen showed in Chapel Hill that he can carry the Blue Devils, but can he do it again?

UNC X-Factor: Marcus Paige has struggled most of the season, but now is the time for the senior to lead UNC if the Tar Heels are going to win an ACC championship.

Bruce Young

UNC X-Factor: Justin Jackson's ability to score at least 18-20 points is important if the Heels expect to come out of Hansbrough Indoor Stadium with a victory on Saturday Night!

Andrew Jones

UNC X-Factor: Marcus Paige. If he has a big night distributing the ball and making shots the Heels will achieve the necessary balance that will give Duke fits.

Duke X-Factor: Luke Kennard was big with 15 points in the first game, and coming off a scoreless performance he might have a hot hand. If he does, it will complement Allen and Ingram at a high level.

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