Big Night for the Big 4

Wake Forest @ UNC:
Philip Thompson: This is a huge game for the Tarheels and their 7 McDonalds Americans tonight. Coming off two consecutive losses, Wake Forest may not be the ideal opponent to travel to Chapel Hill. The Deacs have the size and strength to match the Tar Heels down low, and Ish Smith is the veteran type of point guard who should give Larry Drew trouble (although currently all point guards give him trouble). The Tar Heels are young, but this is a game they really need to win. Also, has there ever been a team ranked with 6 losses in mid January? Final Score:
Wake Forest 82 UNC 75

Lawrence Jordan: The Demon Deacons roll in from Winston Salem after a rather demoralizing loss to Duke last Sunday. The Heels are rolling off one of their worst ACC weeks ever after losing at Clemson and at home to Georgia Tech. This is a pivotal early game in the ACC season. If the Heels spot the Deacs an early first half lead, watch for the wheels to come flying off. Ole' Roy will have to answer more questions than ever... Final Score: UNC 89 Wake Forest 79

Duke @ NC State:
Philip Thompson: The Pack will need a few breaks tonight if they are to pull off an upset. First off, the have to make their open jump shots. With the recent emergence of Scott Wood, that could give Tracy Smith more room to operate down low. Another key is for Smith to stay out of foul trouble (that itself can be very challenging against Duke in a game with ACC officials). Finally, the Pack may have caught a break with Kyle Singler hurting his wrist late in Duke’s win Sundays against Wake Forest. Duke only has three legitimate options on offence and if Singler struggles than so will the Devils. Final Score: Duke 73 NC State 75 (It is about time we win a close one)

Lawrence Jordan: I'm not surprised NCSU fans, including Philip Thompson, don't know what it feels like or what it takes to be ranked. Their days of being ranked along with their last winning conference record were hired away to Arizona State, who currently sit atop the Pac10 conference standings. Duke walks through Raleigh tonight and hands the Pack their 4th conference loss. Wolfpack clap? Final Score: Duke 88 NC State 65