You make a compelling case for UNC in a well thought out and well written writeup. Your points are all valid, I can't deny that. I will also concede that the Heels are a great rebounding team.
However, I am on the other side for a small play on the Cavs in this great matchup of styles and tempos. I will also agree with you that there are no clear cut decisive edges when two elite teams play each other.
I have a long writeup on this game in another forum. I did the same thing you did and picked out 4 games to make my case for the Cavs. Those 4 games are the 4 losses to Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, and Louavul. The one thing all 4 teams have in common is they all play sticky, hard nosed, get in your face man to man TEAM defense. They try to deny all entry passes to the wings and post to disrupt the flow of the offense and contest everything. The Heels didnt like that and didn't respond well to non-stop pressure D.
I used the Michigan game as my main template as that is the team that plays the most similar to UVA in terms of size, style of play, and control of tempo.
I believe the Cavs packed the lane to much against Duke and were slow to get to their close outs, just gave Duke to much room.I think Bennett makes the adjustments and they defend the arc better tonight.
UNC wants a free wheeling back and forth uptempo game with lots of possessions.UVA wants a much slower game going deeper in the shot clock on both ends with a fewer possessions game.
The team that controls the tempo the most will win imo.. Should be a great game. Injuries to Diakite and Jerome could also factor in here tonight. Thus no big plays for me.
I didn't come into your thread to be a troll. I come in peace brother of the game. Just offering a counter opinion.
Bol to you SammySharps. Hopefully we share some insights down the road in other games.