The Next Play: ACC women’s championships, busy Hurricanes highlight the coming week
So, we hear there’s a big basketball game happening this week? Perhaps a swan song for a certain longtime coach in his final game on his home court?
There will be plenty to read and digest on the marquee Duke-UNC matchup across all platforms this week, so let’s focus here on what else is happening around the Triangle in sports this week.
Tourney time
While the ACC men’s tournament is a week away, the ACC women’s tournament is right around the corner, with a handful of intriguing storylines.
First and foremost is the No. 3 N.C. State Wolfpack, which will be the top seed in the tourney, a favorite to win, and a likely top seed in the NCAA tournament when that field is announced later on. The Wolfpack capped an historic run to the top last Sunday and hoisted what they hope will be the first of three trophies this season.
Meanwhile, the UNC women have quietly built a solid resume of their own, and sit in prime position for an NCAA berth and a solid ACC seed with a 12-5 record going into the past weekend’s action. The Heels are 22-2, with their five losses all coming in ACC play.
Duke, meanwhile, might be in trouble, after a tough recent stretch that has them at 7-10 in ACC play, but 16-11 overall. The Blue Devils seem to have done better away from home, so perhaps a neutral-site tourney in Greensboro might be just what the doctor ordered.
Busy week on the ice
The Hurricanes are fresh off a home game Friday against Columbus, and will have four games this week (and five in the next eight days).
The Canes start out Sunday night at home against the Edmonton Oilers, who have come alive of late after a coaching change, and boast one of the best 1-2 punches in the NHL in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
A quick road swing to Detroit on Tuesday and Washington on Thursday is followed with a quick turnaround home game on Friday against Pittsburgh, which Carolina just faced a week ago with the Metro Division lead on the line. Washington is in that picture, too, making that back-to-back a tough one for the Canes.
Though technically “next” week, the Canes complete that five-game stretch at home next Sunday against the expansion Seattle Kraken.
High school championships
The best of the best high school basketball teams will be on display this week as we play down to our regional finals and set up the state finals in all classes.
A handful of upsets early have given way to the top teams rising when it mattered most. Raleigh- and Durham-area teams have continued to shine all week long, and there is sure to be some high-tension local competition as the regions play down inside their final fours.
