Duke vs North Carolina: The Best of the Basketball Rivalry

There are very few rivalries that compete with the intensity of Duke vs. North Carolina, specifically in college basketball. Plenty of legends have came through these programs, setting up for intense and thrilling matchups. When you have legends coming through your respective programs like Michael Jordan, Grant Hill, Christian Laettner and coach Mike Krzyzewski, you are bound to have legendary matchups. Recent players such as Jayson Tatum, Zion Williamson, Kyrie Irving and Tyler Hansbrough have provided us with some iconic college basketball moments. So sit back, put on your favorite shade of blue and let's take a look at some of the most iconic moments in the Duke vs. North Carolina rivalry.

#10 Duke vs. #5 North Carolina — 2/8/2012

Twelve years ago, Austin Rivers silenced a crowd full of Tar Heels with an amazing 3-pointer as time expired. North Carolina was up 10 points with 2:12 to go and ended up losing thanks to this shot. Top performers from this game include Harrison Barnes with 25 points and Rivers with 29.

Duke fans were thrilled, but don't worry UNC fans. You have the opportunity to be just as excited once North Carolina sports betting launches on Mar. 11!

#7 Duke vs. North Carolina — 2/9/2020

There is a large debate surrounding whether teams should foul late when down three. Normally I side with "yes," but instances like this one prove me wrong. Tre Jones is the star of this clip, making the shot to send the game into overtime. Wendell Moore Jr. secures the put-back and the win for the Blue Devils.

Duke backers were elated with a come-from-behind victory. With sports betting coming to the Tar Heel State, BetMGM North Carolina will be sure to have all of your North Carolina vs. Duke sports betting needs.

North Carolina vs. #4 Duke — 3/5/2022

If you are plugged into college basketball, you'll know that Krzyzewski's regular-season installment of the "retirement tour" ended at the hands of Duke's rival. Four Tar Heels posted 20-plus points, with Armando Bacot leading the way with 23.

#8 North Carolina vs. #2 Duke — 4/2/2022

This was the final blow for Coach K and the Duke Blue Devils. It shaped up for the two rivals to face off on one of the biggest stages, an elimination for Duke, North Carolina, and specifically Coach K. Caleb Love put the final nail in the coffin, draining a clutch 3-pointer and sending Coach K into retirement.

The Duke vs. North Carolina rivalry has been a tumultuous one. Duke may be the home of the hype, but it is going to take a while for the Blue Devils to even up the rivalry. North Carolina currently holds a 143-117 head-to-head advantage against Duke, but the Blue Devils have won the last two meetings. One thing is for sure: When these two teams meet up, there is sure to be electricity.

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