So, you're sitting at home Saturday night watching Duke and Carolina play in the Final Four and you think to yourself, "Wait, I know we're not supposed to like the other but what else do I really know about the other team?" or " Is this the first time this has ever happened in a playoff tournament?"
No worries my friends! Today in the Five Things You Need To Know, we are looking into some lesser known facts that might just make tomorrows game a little more interesting!
(Here are your Five Fun Quick Facts for Friday, April 1, 2022)
1. Duke and UNC are only 13 miles apart which in reality, is a 17 minute drive.
2. When it comes to the NCAA Tournament and Postseason: Prior to their upcoming meeting in the 2022 NCAA Final Four, they have met once in the 1971 National Invitation Tournament. UNC took home the win with a 73-67 score and Madison Square Garden.
3. Duke and North Carolina played their first basketball game on January 24, 1920.
4. Carolina leads the rivalry with 142 wins, while Duke trails with 115 wins.
5. Did you know that there was, for a time, a single trophy that only UNC and Duke could win?! It was called the Carlyle Cup and both teams would fight it out over all varsity sports to see who at the end of the season had the most wins and took home the gold! Now, this trophy didn't hang around long because it was only here between 2001 and 2011.
BUT WAIT! Who won?! Well, UNC took it home seven times and Duke, three.
(BONUS): My wife wants to know if there is a good place in the Triad that has great Italian Easter bread. Let me know!