NCAA’s Big-time Basketball Rivalries That Still Rush Adrenaline

It was one heck of a showdown where both teams indulged in a wild melee that included punches, intense shoving and players picking up stools during the game. This kind of incident that happened in Kansas versus Kansas match in 2020 has always been a significant part of the college basketball rivalries. The court often turns into a war-turf when the two sides clash for dominance. Beyond the game, these feuds are fueled by legacy and the pride of being the best in the business.

These rivalries simply make the NCAA a bigger platform for the spirited and sentimental athletes. And, as history reflects, this sporting spirit has unfolded some of the most intense clashes that are still moving in parallels, like an inseparable part of the NCAA. Evidently, these rivalries have survived with changing times and are significant for many reasons.

Top NCAA Basketball’s still-standing rivalries

The ‘Duke vs. North Carolina’ is one of the most intense rivalries in all across the US, particularly in the sport of basketball. Many reasons contribute to this bittersweet relationship between the Tar Heels and the Blue Devils. The most common being the two situated within close proximity to each other, only 10 miles apart.

Moreover, Duke is a private university, whereas North Carolina is a public school. This indicates the difference in their funding structures and culture, thus further intensifying this rivalry. The rivalry shared by the Kentucky Wildcats and the Louisville Cardinals comes next.

Despite being dormant with occasional matchups, this one is more intense because the two schools have been among the nation’s elite men’s basketball teams for the better part of the last 50 years. Also, Kentucky ranks #2 on the all-time winningest programs list in Division I Men’s basketball, while Louisville ranks at #6 of the same.

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But beyond these elite schools and their fight for legacy, the rivalry runs deep in the NCAA.

Sunflower Showdown

Moving on to the next one, known as the Sunflower Showdown, which is the rivalry between Kansas and Kansas State. Its name has been derived from the nickname of the state of Kansas, i.e. the Sunflower State. This series is the most-played series in both schools’ history and also the 6th most-played in NCAA history.

Out of the two, Kansas has dominated the all-time series, with a 204-95 lead in men’s basketball. Evidently, this is the most victories a school has achieved over the other in NCAA Division I men’s basketball. Some other notable mentions on the list are – UCLA vs Arizona, Georgetown vs. Villanova, Indiana vs. Purdue, Kentucky vs. Florida, Syracuse vs. Georgetown, Michigan vs. Ohio State, and Duke vs. Maryland.

These Universities have spent generations playing against each other, facing off to have an upper hand over the other one, which for some of them has become a tradition. In this race to excel, they have showcased some of the best displays of finesse, resilience, dominance, determination, consistency, stronghold, symbolism, and many other sporty expressions brought to reality through their talented players dribbling on the court.

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These rivalries have nurtured some of the best players in college basketball, who have pursued their careers as professionals playing in the big leagues.