Tarheels Enter Key Stretch Without Lawson

North Carolina fans held their breath, as their starting point guard lay on the ground this weekend. Only minutes into their battle with Florida State, UNC lost its starting point guard to a high ankle sprain. His injury appeared much worse than it actually was, however Lawson will need some time before he is 100% again. His injury comes at a very important time of the season. The Tarheels are in the middle of a very important ACC conference race. They are entering a key matchup with the Duke Blue Devils. Can the Heels maintain their success while Lawson heals up. Here are a few points to consider.

North Carolina vs. Duke, in basketball has become one of the biggest rivalries in all of sports. The two teams have had numerous games that have been considered 'classics,' with games often going right down to the end. This years matchup between the two teams is even more important as the two teams are both ranked in the top 5 and battling for a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament. Even more important is that this year one of these two teams could be a number one seed in a region that is close to home.

Essentially one of these two teams could play all of their first, second and third round games very close to home. In other words, this could be a direct ticket to the Final Four. With only one game difference between the two teams in the conference, this game is more important than ever. North Carolina will follow up their matchup with Duke against Clemson and then on the road against Virginia. These teams both play Carolina tough historically. UNC needed overtime to beat Clemson earlier this year.

Lawson's injury will make these next three games very tough. It is doubtful that he will play in the game against Duke this week. If he does play he clearly will not be 100%. His absence will mean the Heels will not be as effective in their transition game. Lawson could easily be considered the quickest point guard in America. His low turnover to assist ratio also makes him a great weapon. He often appears to have the ability to just 'turn it on' during a game when he wants.

Lawson's injury will mean many more minutes for back up point guard Quentin Thomas. Thomas, a senior, has seen limited minutes throughout his career. He did play on the 2005 UNC championship team, but again with limited minutes. Throughout his career he has shown flashes of good play. He is a pass first, shoot second player. If he can limit his turnovers and make good decisions with the ball, the Heels may be able to remain competitive while Lawson heals up. The injury to Bobby Frasor earlier this year makes Lawson's injury even more tough to swallow. After Thomas, the next option at the point will be Marcus Ginyard, who is better suited for playing at the forward position.

The bottom line is the Heels will need other players to step up. Players like Thomas, Wayne Ellington, Danny Green and William Graves all need to step up and have solid games for the Heels. We all know North Carolina will be in the NCAA tournament and with a high seed. The question is can they endure this tough stretch in their schedule with their most important player less than 100 percent. If they can, they may very well be on their way to another championship.