There’s no better rivalry in college basketball than Duke vs UNC, and for the 256th time these two teams will square up at the Dean Dome Saturday at 6pm. There is no shortage of memorable moments between these two squads, but here are our staff’s favorite ones:
In a rivalry that has had many dramatic moments, one has always been my personal favorite. Before this signature moment back in 2005 Duke had UNC’s and Roy Williams number, having won three in a row vs Williams’ Tar Heels. Chris Duhon’s game winning layup in overtime in 2004 and UNC running the clock out without getting a shot off earlier in 2005 stung. This game was going Duke’s way, as they took a 73-64 lead with just under three minutes to go. UNC rallied back and was down two with Raymond Felton at the line to potentially tie the game. Felton made his first free throw, but missed the second one and a scrum ensued that led the rock finding Marvin Williams. Williams would put the shot up as he was fouled and it seemed like time stood still for a few moments. As soon as the ball went through the basket the Dean Dome erupted about as loud as it has ever been as the cameras were shaking on TV. JJ Reddick’s three pointer the next possession would miss and UNC got over a huge mental hurdle defeating Duke, winning the ACC regular season championship, and in April Roy William’s first of three national titles in Chapel Hill.
My favorite Duke/UNC memory was in 2015 at Duke with the Blue Devils trailing by 10 with three minutes left, Justice Winslow led a run with a right wing three-pointer to cut it to seven, followed by Tyus “Stones’ Jones attacking the paint for the deuce. National Player of the Year Jahlil Okafor’s infamous “And-1” sent Cameron in a complete frenzy to tie the game – ultimately sending it into overtime (the first OT game since 2004). Senior Guard Quinn Cook’s clutch free throws sealed the deal for Duke, solidifying how special this group was. Duke swept UNC the same year. A group of freshman, with a couple seniors took this battle tested rivalry game all the way to Indianapolis and cut down the Nets for Coach K’s 5th National Championship.
Where to begin….so many, from Roy’s last game at the Smith Center last year to Danny Green’s poster of Greg Paulus (ok I’m cheating).
Top is probably the Hansbrough/ Henderson elbow game. So much build up to that matchup, of course the Heels won and I was there with my dad. Priceless.
I have witnessed a few UNC vs Duke games in person and have followed the rivalry closely since high school and while there have been some incredible games, non was more memorable for me than their 2019 matchup in the ACC Tournament semifinals – a game I was able to cover in person. The hype surrounding that contest, featuring six future first round draft picks, was surreal given the fact it would be the first game between the two where future #1 draft pick Zion Williamson would play more than one minute. Both teams put on a performance in a contest that had four lead changes in the final four minutes. Ultimately, the Blue Devils defeated the Tar Heels 74-73, but the real winners were college basketball fans who got to witness greatness in the best rivalry in sports.
