UNC-Duke: The Rivalry as Old as Time

CHAPEL HILL, N.C.—UNC and Duke basketball faced off in their 261st match-up at the Dean E. Smith Center, and the Tarheels dominated the court to defeat the Blue Devils 93-84.

Carolina leads the ACC despite the loss to Georgia Tech on Tuesday, but the team knew that playing No. 7 Duke would not be an easy game. This was the 49th meeting of rivals as Top 10 teams and everybody knew it would be a battle of the blues.

With College Gameday in Chapel Hill and this being Armando Bacot, and possibly RJ Davis’, last rivalry game at home, this game was special in more than one aspect.

UNC students had been looking forward to this game since the fall semester. Students were lining up for College Gameday as early as 6 a.m. and the line for phase one tickets started as early as 12 p.m. (mind you that doors did not open until 4 p.m.). And of course Franklin Street was rushed and filled with thousands of people celebrating the victory.

The Smith Center was sold out for this highly anticipated game and the energy was unmatched.

The Tar Heels took control of the game from the beginning and continued that energy for the rest of the game. At the half, UNC led 45-35 and continued to lead by double digits throughout most of the game.

The stars for UNC were Harrison Ingram and Bacot, both posting double-doubles. Bacot had 25 points, 10 rebounds and five assists and his 25 points tied his season high. Ingram had 21 points, a scoring high for him, 13 rebounds and a career-high five three-pointers. Davis was the focus of Duke’s defense as he contributed 17 points and five assists.

Carolina overall shot 50 percent from the floor and 37.5 percent from the three-point. They were able to generate 19 points from turnovers which was a huge factor in this game.

Even though they lost, Duke had some players that balled out. Jared McCain posted a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds, Kyle Filipowski put up 22 points and Jeremy Roach contributed 20 points.

UNC and Duke will face off once more this season on March 9 at Duke, where hopefully the Tar Heels can complete a sweep this season.

Carolina will be back in action in the Smith Center on Tuesday, Feb. 6 to host Clemson.