Just eight miles from the heart of Chapel Hill, down US Highway 15-501 sits the Blue Devil’s borough. Carolina students are basically ingrained to dislike everything Duke related: the school, the people, and most importantly — the basketball team. The history of the fierce UNC v. Duke rivalry goes back 93 years to the first meeting in January of 1920. Ever since, the teams have been fearlessly battling it out on and off the court to claim victory and bragging rights for the remainder of the year. For every Carolina girl it is imperative to know the hard facts of the UNC v. Duke basketball rivalry:
The Stats:
1. The two teams have met on the court 235 times
2. The Tar Heel’s won the first game between the two in Chapel Hill on January 24, 1920
3. The teams have met 235 times in regular and postseason
4. UNC leads the overall series 132-103
5. The Blue Devils and the Tar Heels have never met in NCAA tournament
6. The University of North Carolina has been Regular Season ACC champs 29 times while Duke has only 19 times
7. UNC is number one all time in NCAA Final Fours with 18, Duke is in third with 15
8. And let’s not forget that the Tar Heels head the Blue Devils 5-4 in National Championships titles.
But on game day, statistics fly out the window. It comes down to that moment and defending our territory as rulers of the Tar Heel State. So here’s a list of things a Carolina girl needs to know off the court:
1. We Keep it Classy.
Never stoop to their level, always keep classy: in the end a game is just a game so keep is clean and tasteful
2. Rep Carolina Blue.
Always, always sport your Carolina blue: t-shirts, face paint, crowns, morph suits, and tutus are all acceptable
3. Be proud of your team.
Win or lose those boys leave it all on court. Support them in their every endeavor because they represent the greatness that the University of North Carolina has to offer.
4. We don’t wait.
Appreciate the fact that you don’t have to sleep outside in the cold and rain to get into a basketball game
5. Roy’s our Boy.
We are so lucky to have the most amazing, inspirational, talented coach in all of the country. Let’s also take a moment to appreciate the amount of Carolina blue ties and suits he owns — thanks Alexander Julian!
6. Together we stand.
At the heart of every UNC sporting event is the camaraderie between every current student, alumni and diehard fan. As Tar Heel’s we stand united in every endeavor. At Chapel Hill we support our Carolina family in every academic, personal and athletic venture. When it comes down to it we are all Tar Heels, now and forever.
The UNC vs. Duke basketball game may arguably be the most important event of the spring semester. With so many insane moments and incredible players, the rivalry has become a historic event not only in Chapel Hill and Durham, but also across the nation. The tradition and legacy surrounding this event makes for an incredible atmosphere and will no doubt be one of the greatest memories from your Carolina career. As the series moves to Chapel Hill this weekend be sure to show your Carolina pride and cheer the Tar Heels to victory. Always remember, go to hell Duke!
Sources:
http://goduke.statsgeek.com/basketball-m/opponents/opp.php?oid=77
http://politicker.com/2011/12/bloomberg-shrugs-away-unc-students-who-dont-want-him-at-commencement/
http://espn.go.com/blog/sportscenter/post/_/id/30179/duke-vs-north-carolina-even-their-newspapers-hate-each-other
http://dlertds106.umwblogs.org/?page_id=265
http://espn.go.com/blog/north-carolina-basketball