It is finally time for the Duke basketball program to take the court in the Final Four.
The week-long anticipation has finally come to an end, and it is time for the Duke basketball team to take on the North Carolina Tar Heels in the Final Four.
The two teams have never met in the NCAA Tournament despite the rich postseason history within both programs.
Duke was able to defeat North Carolina in Chapel Hill this season while the Tar Heels returned the favor to the Blue Devils in Durham.
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North Carolina’s victory was one of the most stunning games of the college basketball season as Duke was honoring Mike Krzyzewski in his final game in Cameron Indoor Stadium with ceremonies before and after the game in front of 100 former players.
The loss has stuck with Duke all postseason, and the team finally has the chance to shake the stigma surrounding the program.
The Blue Devils were able to navigate their way through matchups against Cal State Fullerton, Michigan State, Texas Tech, and Arkansas while North Carolina dominated its way against Marquette, Baylor, UCLA, and 15-seeded St. Peter’s in the Elite Eight.
Duke basketball has history on the line in Final Four matchup
Saturday marks the 100th meeting between Duke and North Carolina under head coach Mike Krzyzewski as the Blue Devils currently have a 50-49 advantage, a record that highlights the importance of this rivalry.
Victories on Saturday and Monday would give Duke its sixth National Championship, tying the program with North Carolina for the third most titles in college basketball history.
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Duke is currently in its 17th all-time Final Four and the 13th appearance in the event under Krzyzewski.
The Blue Devils have not been in the Final Four since they won the National Championship in 2015, and North Carolina has not played in the National Semifinal since its title in 2017.
Tipoff is scheduled for approximately 8:49 p.m. EST on Saturday night inside the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.