NCAA Basketball Game Of The Week: North Carolina vs. No. 2 Duke

The infamous Tobacco Road Rivalry is set to tip off Saturday, February 1st as the Duke Blue Devils play host to the UNC Tarheels. A pair of schools with just eight miles of separation, both schools students take this game extremely seriously, camping out days in advance and even having to pass a test in order to purchase tickets.

This feud dates back to January 1920 at "The Ark," Duke’s former home, where UNC took 17 of the first 19 matchups. Between them, they’ve combined for 38 Final Fours and 11 national championships.

One of the pair's most infamous meetings was in the 2022 Final Four in New Orleans, marking their first-ever NCAA tournament matchup. In an unforgettable game, UNC took down Duke, denying beloved Coach K, the perfect ending to his final season.

The Blue Devils look poised to win big this season, as they sit at No. 2 in the rankings. Freshman star Cooper Flag has had the debut season of players dreams. Averaging 19.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game, he has emerged as a top contender for the National Player of the Year and the face of Duke University.

Alongside Flagg, another freshman has made his position as a top player on the team known. Khaman Maluach protects and defends with his imposing 7’2” frame and dominating presence within the paint. During the teams last outing, Maluach became sick on the court and would sit out the rest of the game. However after getting some air, current head coach, Jon Scheyer, says Maluach will be ready to go on Saturday.

On the other side of this long eight mile trip there sits the UNC Tarheels. The team has been having a difficult time picking up momentum this season with a current record of 13-8 and 6-3 in the conference play. They look to continue improving as they take on the Pittsburgh Panthers prior to the annual Duke brawl.

Regardless of standings, this pairing can swing any which way, it's pure chaos. With 105 years of history fueling the fire this event is college basketball's biggest and best show of the year and is not to be missed.

Brooke Casey is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her email bec5457@psu.edu.