Tar Heels and Blue Devils Clash in ACC Rivalry Matchup

DURHAM, N.C. — The No. 8 North Carolina women’s basketball team travels to face off against No. 16 Duke on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET in a highly anticipated rematch of their earlier season meeting. The showdown at Cameron Indoor Stadium marks the 51st time the two ranked teams have faced each other, with UNC looking to maintain its perfect 10-0 record in true road games this season.

In their previous encounter on January 9, the Tar Heels edged the Blue Devils 53-46 in a tightly contested match that showcased both teams’ defensive prowess. Head coach Courtney Banghart has presided over a resurgence in Carolina’s fortunes, with the team climbing to No. 8 in the AP Poll following a comeback win against Louisville.

North Carolina, boasting a 25-4 record overall and 13-3 in the ACC, is riding a seven-game winning streak, the longest for the program since 2013. The Tar Heels are led by senior forward Maria Gakdeng, who averages 11.2 points per game, while guard Alyssa Ustby chips in an average of 10.7 points.

Duke enters this matchup with a 21-7 overall record and a 12-4 mark in the ACC after snapping a two-game losing streak with a dominating 31-point victory over Syracuse. Head coach Kara Lawson’s squad relies heavily on its bench depth, averaging 32.4 points per game from reserves – the best in the ACC.

The Blue Devils are looking to bounce back against a familiar rival after their earlier defeat this season. Freshman Toby Fournier leads Duke in scoring, averaging 13.4 points per game, and her performance will be vital as the team seeks revenge in this intense rivalry.

The series history leans slightly in Carolina’s favor, with a total of 56 wins to Duke’s 53. However, the Blue Devils hold a significant advantage on their home court, with a 29-17 record at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Both teams know the stakes of this matchup; a win could solidify their potential seeding for the upcoming ACC Tournament.

Duke’s resilience will be tested after struggling against Louisville in their last game, where they suffered their first home loss of the season. With fans expected to fill the stands, the Blue Devils hope the home-court advantage will propel them to victory.

As the Tar Heels prepare for this compelling rematch, they’ll seek to set the tone early and capitalize on the momentum gained from their recent performances. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, ensuring a spotlight on what is sure to be a thrilling contest.