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Duke vs North Carolina: 25 best games ever in the Tobacco Road rivalry

DURHAM, NC - MARCH 03: (L-R) Head coach Mike Krzyzewski of the Duke Blue Devils greets head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels before their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 3, 2012 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - MARCH 03: (L-R) Head coach Mike Krzyzewski of the Duke Blue Devils greets head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels before their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 3, 2012 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 18: Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 18, 2020 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 18: Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 18, 2020 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Duke and North Carolina are two of the most storied basketball programs in the history of the sport. They also happen to play two of the most exciting games every year.

The greatest rivalry in college basketball is set to resume later this week. The Tobacco Road Rivalry between Duke and North Carolina. This rivalry and provided basketball fans with tons of entertainment over the years and has had some of the more memorable games in sports history. These two tradition-rich programs are separated by eight miles in the great state of North Carolina. The fans despise the other school, the players and coaching staffs have been known to get into it during the games as well.

North Carolina leads the showdown with a 138-131 advantage. Many would argue that North Carolina is the more illustrious program as well with six National Titles and 20 Final Fours to their name. Duke’s history is nothing to shake a stick at either. The Blue Devils have won five National Titles and have participated in 16 final fours. The history of these teams is what makes this rivalry stand-alone in College Basketball. On the national sports landscape Alabama and Auburn football, Red Sox and Yankees, and Packers and Bears may be the only rivalries even close to this fun every year.

The Tobacco Road rivalry has seen everything. Duke has had down years just like North Carolina has had down years. The one thing about this rivalry is to expect anything to happen. Buzzer beaters, half-court shots, the lesser opponent winning. All of that has happened and will happen again. That is why this season with North Carolina having a very down season don’t be surprised if they win one or both games in this rivalry. The Tar Heels won both games in the regular season a year ago. The Blue Devils won in the ACC tournament when they finally got Zion Williamson back from injury. This year the rivalry renews on Saturday, February 8th, in Chapel Hill. It will be must-watch TV.

As we all prepare for the games, which are the games that stand out the most in the long history down Tobacco Road. These 25 games are chock-full of drama and outstanding performances by star players. With as tradition-rich as these two programs are it is hard to believe they have never met in the NCAA tournament. The best 25 games in the rivalry are below.