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UNC Basketball Surges to No. 18 Ahead of Duke Showdown

2/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The University of North Carolina men's basketball team has won three straight, ranking No. 18 in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll.
The Tar Heels will face Syracuse before hosting the Duke University Blue Devils on February 7.
The Duke University Blue Devils are unbeaten in January.
In NET rankings, UNC is 25th and Duke is second.
Both teams are well positioned in the ACC, with several other ranked programs.

History

Historical Context

In 1982, the North Carolina Tar Heels, coached by Dean Smith, won their second NCAA Men's Basketball Championship, defeating Georgetown 63–62. This victory marked Smith's first national title after three previous losses in championship games. The intense rivalry with Duke University continues today, reflecting the deep-rooted significance of college basketball in North Carolina's culture and regional pride.

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Story summary

The University of North Carolina men's basketball team has won three straight, ranking No. 18 in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll.
The Tar Heels will face Syracuse before hosting the Duke University Blue Devils on February 7.
The Duke University Blue Devils are unbeaten in January.
In NET rankings, UNC is 25th and Duke is second.
Both teams are well positioned in the ACC, with several other ranked programs.

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