Duke and UNC Renew Storied Rivalry as Tar Heels Fight to Revive Tournament Hopes

North Carolina faces a daunting challenge against No. 2 Duke as they aim to bolster a faltering NCAA Tournament resume.

North Carolina, with a 13-9 record, is at risk of missing the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years and seeks a pivotal win against rival Duke.
The second-ranked Blue Devils, led by standout freshman Cooper Flagg, are riding a 14-game winning streak and are considered strong NCAA title contenders.
Duke's size and athleticism present a significant challenge for UNC, whose roster lacks consistent post play following the departure of Armando Bacot.
Saturday's matchup marks the first of two regular-season meetings in one of college basketball's most celebrated rivalries, with Duke hosting at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
UNC's opportunities to secure key Quadrant 1 wins are dwindling, making this game critical to improving their postseason prospects.