The article by Matt Giles highlights the long-standing dominance of UNC over NC State in men’s basketball, calling into question the legitimacy of the rivalry between the two programs. The statistics presented paint a clear picture of UNC’s superiority:
1. Lack of Consecutive Wins: NC State has not defeated UNC in back-to-back games since 2003, underscoring the difficulty the Wolfpack has in sustaining any momentum in the series.
2. Head-to-Head Record: Over the past 21 seasons, UNC holds a commanding 39-7 record against NC State, further emphasizing the one-sided nature of this rivalry.
3. Historical Context: UNC’s 167-81 all-time record against NC State highlights a long history of dominance. The article notes that this win total is the most UNC has against any opponent, reflecting the consistent struggles NC State has faced.
4. Recent Struggles: NC State’s current season adds to the narrative of inferiority. With a 9-7 overall record and a subpar performance in the ACC, their chances of making the NCAA Tournament seem bleak without a significant turnaround.
The article suggests that while NC State may view UNC as its primary rival, the lopsided nature of the series suggests that the Tar Heels may not reciprocate that sentiment to the same degree. Instead, UNC’s more competitive rivalry with Duke likely takes precedence in the minds of their players and fans.
For NC State to change the narrative, it would need to consistently win key games against UNC and make deeper runs in tournaments. However, given the current trajectory, such a turnaround appears challenging.
