From 68 to 4…and what a “4” it is. Carolina, Duke, Villanova, and Kansas. The Big Dogs of college hoops are left standing after four rounds of the NCAA Tournament.
When it comes to the NCAA Tournament, I typically pull for the underdog. As I was watching 15-seed St. Peter’s take on blue-blood North Carolina over the weekend, I couldn’t help but shift my allegiance to the Tarheels.
Why?
Because the greatest rivalry in college sports deserves to have an NCAA Tournament chapter written. In 257 meetings, North Carolina and Duke have never squared off in the big dance.
The two storied programs will meet Saturday in New Orleans in the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament.
The last time these teams met was early March. With 96 former Duke players in the stands, the 4th ranked Blue Devils were embarrassed in a 94-81 loss in Mike Krzyzewski’s final game at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Could it happen again? Coach K’s hall-of-fame career will end if it does. Or maybe the ceremonial puke-fest will continue into Monday’s national championship game.
Regardless, this year’s Final Four is dripping with drama and 17 combined national championships. Kansas and Villanova as an undercard? Sign me up.
