North Raleigh Today

Even though the NCAA Men’s Division I Final Four is taking place in New Orleans this Saturday and Monday, Gov. Roy Cooper (D-NC) proclaimed his state as “the center of the college basketball universe.”

“North Carolina is home to an unmatched tradition of college basketball excellence, including the greatest college basketball rivalry in the nation, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels vs. the Duke University Blue Devils,” Cooper said, according to his official website. “The stakes are high on Saturday, and fans across the nation will get a firsthand look at two programs that have, for decades, competed fiercely and divided the loyalty of family and friends, but made our state proud."

The rivalry gets national -- and even international -- recognition because of the storied history of the two programs.

“Across the world, fans know the legend of Tobacco Road basketball,” Cooper said. “This weekend, our state’s favorite pastime will be showcased on the biggest stage. I’m a proud Tar Heel, and I know firsthand that the state of North Carolina is the center of the college basketball universe.”

The rivalry between the two top-tier basketball teams is all the more intense because the campuses are separated by just 8 miles and because they have epitomized success for the past few decades.

The Tar Heels have participated in 52 NCAA tournaments, reached 21 Final Fours and won seven National Championships. The Blue Devils have reached 44 NCAA tournaments, 17 Final Fours and won five National Championships.

This year’s Final Four is going to be historic in that it is the last run for Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski, who is retiring at the end of the season.

The UNC-Duke game will be the second of Saturday's two games, with a starting time of about 20 minutes after the first game ends.