Duke head coach Jon Scheyer reveals his candid thoughts on the North Carolina loss, its impact, and the high stakes of the upcoming rivalry rematch.
Duke has only two losses on the season with one more game to go in the regular season.
The Blue Devils lost one game to then-No. 19 Texas Tech at home on Dec. 20.
On Feb. 7, Duke lost to rival North Carolina 71-68 on the road. Since that game, the Blue Devils have won seven in a row, including wins over Michigan and Virginia.
Most contests have been blowouts.
The Blue Devils will finish the regular season at home against the Tar Heels on Saturday. Duke wants revenge against UNC, but is really only playing for NCAA Tournament seeding at this point.
The Blue Devils won the regular season ACC championship outright by beating NC State 93-64 on the road on Monday night.
During his postgame news conference on Monday, Scheyer was asked if losing to UNC was a turning point for the team this season.
Scheyer isn't sure.
"I don't know if it's a turning point," Scheyer said, via USA Today. "I think it's just another reference point and step in the season. I think any loss gives you the opportunity to look a little bit differently at games. And I certainly did that as a coach. What I can do better for these guys, I'm sure all these guys lift each other in the mirror.
"And when you lose, I think you can splitter. I think it's very easy to do. And we've chosen the two losses that we've had to become more connected, to really attack the areas where we can grow and stick together. I think that's what it's all about."
Earlier this year, Scheyer said he understands the importance of the rivalry between Duke and UNC.
“I felt the responsibility even more than as a player,” Scheyer said. “At the same time you appreciate the attention. I never run from that. You have to appreciate that as a coach at Duke...
“There’s no denying the fact that when you think about the success of both of these programs ... and what this game stands for in college basketball, I think people would be jealous in what this game means."
It'll be interesting to see how Duke plays in the upcoming contest. After North Carolina rushed the court in February, Scheyer will certainly want his guys to get the best of the Tar Heels before the ACC Tournament next week.