The Biggest Rivalry in College Basketball

The two campuses that sit just eight miles apart, began the rivalry almost 100 years ago. The record sits with UNC still holding onto more wins against Duke, Carolina 139 and Duke 114 wins. That ratio will change in just a few days when UNC will travel over to Cameron Indoor to face the Blue Devils this Saturday.

As a UNC-Chapel Hill student, I would say I am a little biased, but this is the best rivalry that exists. There is nothing better than waking up the next morning to find on the front page of the Daily Tarheel, "DUKE DEFEATED." Some of my favorite memories during my times here at UNC have been attending watch parties for the UNC-Duke game with all my friends as every game is a nail biter. There are so many traditions that surround this game, Sup Dog's comical banner that hangs outside the restaurant, rushing Franklin Street and checking www.diddukewin.com.

The stadium energy in the Dean Dome is like nothing I have ever experienced. Immeditely when you walk down to your seat you can feel the crowd's excitement and the tension between the two teams. There's an automatic judgement if you sit down during the game, if that says anything about the energy in the room. I have been lucky enough to witness beating Duke in the Dean Dome both my freshman and sophomore year. The match up is never boring as crazy events always happen like Zion Williamson's shoe breaking that put him out of the game, to winning in the last few seconds, you can never sit back and relax. I can confidently say that the adrenaline rush running through your veins after leaving the stadium can get anyone to Franklin Street in record time.

Win or lose, every time this game rolls around during the year I am so happy and proud to be a part of this iconic rivalry, especially to be on the Tar Heel side of it. As the game approaches this Saturday, due to the COVID-19 pandemic I know my last UNC-Duke games as a senior will not be the same. However, there is one thing I do know. I will be screaming at my TV along with my roommates decked out in UNC attire cheering until the winning ratio will look more like 140-114. GTHD!