BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The legendary rivalry between Duke and North Carolina will reach new heights on Friday as the two powerhouse programs clash for the first time ever in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament. The Sweet 16 matchup, set to take place in the Birmingham Regional 2 semifinals at 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, is one of the most anticipated games of the season.
First NCAA Tournament Meeting for Duke and UNC
Despite decades of fierce competition, this will mark the first-ever NCAA tournament meeting between the two storied programs. UNC head coach Courtney Banghart acknowledged the significance of the game, calling it a major moment for women’s basketball.
“This is really great for the sport,” Banghart said.
On the other hand, Duke head coach Kara Lawson downplayed the historical context, emphasizing that the focus remains on advancing to the Elite Eight.
“We’re fighting for a spot in the Elite Eight, and so whoever the opponent is, is the opponent,” Lawson said.
Duke and UNC Rivalry in Women’s Basketball
The two teams first met during the 1975-76 season, with North Carolina holding a slight edge in the all-time series at 56-54. However, this year marks the first time both have been placed in the same NCAA tournament region, setting up a thrilling third matchup of the season.
- January 9: UNC won 53-46 (OT) at home.
- February 27: Duke responded with a 68-53 victory at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Road to the Sweet 16
Both teams have a strong NCAA tournament history:
- Duke has reached the Final Four four times, most recently in 2006, under former coach Gail Goestenkors.
- North Carolina won the national championship in 1994 and made Final Four appearances in 2006 and 2007 under former coach Sylvia Hatchell.
Under Kara Lawson, Duke has made back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances, while Courtney Banghart has led North Carolina to its second Sweet 16 berth in three seasons.
Key Players & Defensive Battle Expected
Both teams boast elite defensive stats:
- Duke: Averages 73.8 PPG, allows 57.1 PPG.
- UNC: Averages 70.5 PPG, allows 57.6 PPG.
Several players will be crucial in Friday’s matchup:
- Alyssa Ustby & Reniya Kelly (UNC) – Both missed the second game vs. Duke but are back in action.
- Toby Fournier (Duke) – The Blue Devils’ leading scorer is set to return after missing their second-round game due to illness.
“This game will be gritty and intense,” Ustby said. “The teams know each other too well, so it’s hard to predict.”
With a spot in the Elite Eight on the line, the stakes are higher than ever. The basketball world will be watching as Duke and North Carolina add another epic chapter to their storied rivalry.
