It’s something Duke and Carolina fans look for on the bracket every single year. Even if it’s highly unlikely, they still take a glimpse and ask, “What if?”, shiver at the thought of the stakes, and move on.
This year, it happened. For the first time, fans’ “What if” became a reality. North Carolina and Duke will play each other in the NCAA Tournament… In the Final Four no less.
Joe Ovies of 99.9 The Fan discussed the feelings of fans leading up to the game… (audio)
This is the ultimate double or nothing proposal, except I don’t know that anybody agreed to it.
We all know the feelings surrounding Coach K’s last game at Cameron Indoor Stadium when they lost to UNC. The possibility of that loss being the thing this Duke team was remembered for most was huge. Vice Versa for this Heels squad. After all, we had talked about that game being UNC’s Super Bowl.
Except now they have to play another one, and Duke gets its shot at redemption.
I will say the stakes are very different this year, compared to any other season this could’ve happened. If Duke wins, the excitement is there but it still feels like relief just as much in Coach K’s last ride. A Duke win doesn’t quite neuralyze the Cameron Indoor loss to UNC, but if they lose it does smack them in the face on center stage.
A defeat means Coach K will have had two crazy special moments ended by a Tar Heel team who at times this season were fighting to reach the tournament. Duke has 3 lottery picks and 5 pros. The Blue Devils are the favorite to win the Championship, UNC has the lowest odds of anybody.
That’s not to say UNC by any means is absolved of pressure. The chance to play for a Championship itself provides the gravity and you want to deny the most important game going to your rival.
It’s happening, whether you embrace it or quietly wish it wasn’t.
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