Duke vs. North Carolina basketball rivalry history: H2H, record and more

North Carolina and Duke are set to rekindle their rivalry on Saturday in a Top 10 encounter. The No. 7 Tar Heels and No. 9 Blue Devils bring identical 24-6 records to the latest renewal of their feud

The intensity of the rivalry is heightened for various reasons, with one key factor being the proximity of the two universities, which are situated just 10 miles apart along U.S. Highway 15–501 or merely eight miles in a straight-line distance.

Another major factor stems from the success of their basketball programs. Nearly every year, at least one of the schools emerges as a formidable contender for the national championship.

North Carolina vs. Duke H2H

North Carolina and Duke have played against one another 261 times in the history of college basketball. The Tar Heels lead the series 144-117 record. The two powerhouses first squared up in 1920 and have met twice a year since then. The game on many occasions determined the Atlantic Coast Conference champion.

North Carolina is the third winningest program in college basketball while Duke is fourth.

Notable records in the series

North Carolina holds the longest winning streak in the history of the rivalry, with the Tar Heels winning 16 straight encounters from 1921 to 1928.

North Carolina holds the largest margin of victory with a 53-point win in 1921. For Duke, the largest margin was a 35-point win, which occurred in 1964.

Both teams have won five games in the last 10 encounters. The matchup between the two teams has proceeded to overtime 14 times.

Preview of North Carolina vs. Washington, 2024

One of the marquee matchups of the weekend showcases the most iconic rivalry in college basketball, as No. 7 North Carolina travels to Durham to take on No. 9 Duke. The two teams will rekindle their rivalry in the final matchup of the 2023-24 regular season.

Since their 93-84 victory over Duke on Feb. 4, the Tar Heels (24-6, 16-3 ACC) have posted a 6-2 record. Half of these games were decided by 10 points or fewer.

The Blue Devils (24-6, 15-4), on the other hand, have been on an impressive run since their defeat in Chapel Hill. With an 8-1 record, their only setback occurred at Wake Forest on Feb 24.