CHAPEL HILL (AP) -- North Carolina sophomore guard P.J. Hairston knows he's a big reason why the Tar Heels are surging heading into Saturday's rivalry game with No. 3 Duke, even if he doesn't want to take too much credit.

The Tar Heels are 6-1 since coach Roy Williams made Hairston a starter in a four-guard lineup. UNC lost the first game at Duke on Feb. 13, but hasn't lost since.

The 6-foot-5, 220-pound sophomore is playing at the 4-spot against bigger players, but can knock down the outside shot to spread the floor and spark the Tar Heels' offense.

Freshman Marcus Paige says Hairston deserves much of the credit for UNC's turnaround, while Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski says Hairston has been one of the Atlantic Coast Conference's top players in recent weeks.

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