Duke and North Carolina basketball have the team’s first of two prime-time games this season on Thursday. Here on five questions for the upcoming bout.
The rivalry between No. 9 Duke 19-4 (7-3) and No. 21 North Carolina 17-7 (6-5) might be considered the most passionate display of emotion between fans in not only college sports, but the entire sports world in general. Not only have these schools split their many matchups, but the total points scored is almost exactly even.
These teams played three entertaining games last year, with the home team splitting the regular season games, with the Blue Devils claiming victory in the ACC tournament semifinals. For this season, both teams have at times looked like national championship contenders, and other times a first round exit.
The ladder has been what both teams have looked like, with the Tar Heels going through a three-game losing streak before beating a team who Pittsburgh whose yet to win a conference game. Duke has lost two of three, including a statement game at home versus Virginia, and a shocking road loss at St. John’s.
This is the first game between these teams, with the return game in Durham in the regular season finale. With the Cavaliers all but assured the ACC title, it’s a battle for positioning in the conference tournament, as well as the NCAA tournament. Duke still has an opportunity for a No. 1 seed, while the Tar Heels wants to maintain a protected seed.
Without further ado, here’s five questions for this important game.