Duke Defeates North Carolina in Rivalry Week Thriller

Duke University and the University of North Carolina met last night to play the latest game in one of the greatest rivalries in college sports. The two teams despise each other and always play well in one of the most anticipated games of the year in college basketball.

The Tar Heels came in to the game on a 5 game winning streak, breaking back into the national rankings after dropping out earlier this year. The Blue Devils had a shakier path to the game, losing to Florida State and then getting blown out by St. John's in Madison Square Garden. A road win at Maryland saw them bounce back a little before last night's showdown.

The early action was all in Carolina's favor. They stormed out of the gate behind the play of their big men and held a 14 point lead going into halftime. Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski rallied his team at the half and the Devils came out looking to close the gap.

With ten minutes left in the game, Duke took the lead and would not give it up for the rest of the game.  Nolan Smith scored a career high 34 points, with 22 coming in the second half.  Seth Curry added 22 of his own in the Devils comeback.

UNC's Tyler Zeller had 22 points to go along with 13 rebounds and teammate John Henson added 14.  It is the third time in a row that the Tar Heels have lost to the Blue Devils.