Duke Sweeps Rival North Carolina in Basketball and Football, 2025 Rivalry Reigns Supreme
Nov, 23 2025
The Duke Blue Devils didn’t just beat their archrivals—they erased any doubt. In a stunning sweep across both basketball and football during the 2024-25 season, Duke defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels in all four meetings, capping a season that will echo through the annals of one of college sports’ fiercest rivalries. The most dramatic chapter unfolded on the ACC Men's Basketball Tournament Charlotte, where Duke, without its star freshman Cooper Flagg and key reserve Maliq Brown, clawed out a 74-71 win over a desperate UNC team that had rallied from a 24-point deficit. The final shot? A three from Van-Allen Lubin that clanged off the rim as time expired. It wasn’t pretty. But it was Duke.
The Basketball Sweep: Three Wins, One Message
Duke didn’t just win—they dominated. The first meeting on February 2, 2025 Cameron Indoor Stadium was a masterclass in early aggression. The Blue Devils opened with a 23-6 run, turning the historic Durham arena into a deafening pressure cooker. Cooper Flagg, the 18-year-old phenom, dropped 21 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in just 32 minutes. Kon Knueppel outscored everyone with 22, adding five assists and two steals. Duke’s defense? Ruthless. They had more steals in the first half than UNC had assists. The final score: 87-70. A statement. Then came March 9, 2025, in Chapel Hill. With the ACC regular season title on the line, Duke trailed late but refused to blink. Kon Knueppel and Patrick Ngongba (perfect 6-for-6 from the floor) kept the offense humming. RJ Davis fought hard for UNC with 20 points, but Duke’s depth—led by Khaman Maluach (13 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks)—sealed an 82-69 win. The Blue Devils clinched the regular season crown. UNC’s six-game win streak? Over. And then, the tournament final stretch: March 15, 2025, in Charlotte. Duke’s two best players were out. Flagg and Brown were sidelined with injuries. No problem. Kon Knueppel dropped 17. Khaman Maluach played like a veteran. Patrick Ngongba was flawless. The Tar Heels cut a 24-point lead to three. The crowd roared. But Duke held. The win sent them to the ACC final. And silenced the doubters.The Football Shock: A Bowl Eligibility Miracle
Basketball wasn’t the only stage. On November 22, 2025 Kenan Memorial Stadium, Duke pulled off a 32-25 upset in football. The Tar Heels entered as favorites. Duke hadn’t been bowl eligible since 2021. But Anderson Castle had other plans. The running back rushed for three touchdowns—his last one, a 12-yard plunge with 2:17 left, decided the game. Duke’s defense held on a final UNC drive, forcing a turnover on downs. The stadium fell silent. The Blue Devils’ sideline erupted. Bowl eligibility: secured. For the first time in four years.A Rivalry Built on History, Not Just Stats
This isn’t just about wins in 2025. It’s about legacy. As of March 2025, North Carolina Tar Heels sit at No. 3 on the all-time NCAA men’s basketball wins list. Duke Blue Devils are No. 4. Together, they’ve combined for 38 Final Four appearances. One of the most painful losses for Duke came on April 2, 2022 New Orleans, when UNC won 81-77 in the Final Four. Caleb Love scored 28. Armando Bacot grabbed 21 rebounds. Paolo Banchero had 20 for Duke. A heartbreaker. But then came the emotional counterpunch. Eleven days after legendary UNC coach Dean Smith died, Duke hosted the Tar Heels at Cameron. Both teams stood in silence at center court. UNC led by 10 with four minutes left. Duke answered with a 9-2 run to force overtime. They won 92-90. The moment didn’t just belong to the players—it belonged to the ghosts of the game.What’s Next? The Rivalry Isn’t Slowing Down
With Cooper Flagg still developing and UNC’s roster rebuilding under new head coach Hubert Davis, the next chapter is wide open. Duke’s 2025 sweep proves they’ve built a program that can win without superstars—through grit, depth, and coaching. UNC still has the tradition, the fan base, the history. But in 2025, Duke owned the rivalry. The ACC tournament win gave Duke a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. UNC, despite the losses, still made the field. But the narrative? Changed. The Blue Devils didn’t just beat their rivals—they redefined what it means to be the team that rises when it matters most.Historical Context: When the Rivalry Became Legendary
The Duke-UNC rivalry isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about identity. In 2006, J.J. Redick and Shelden Williams combined for 39 points to break UNC’s hopes of an outright ACC title. Lee Melchionni’s clutch three-pointer with three minutes left sealed it. In 1991, Christian Laettner’s turnaround jumper in the Elite Eight became one of the most replayed shots in sports history. Cameron Indoor Stadium and the Dean Smith Center aren’t just buildings. They’re battlegrounds. The noise in Durham when Flagg hits a three? Deafening. The silence in Chapel Hill when UNC misses the final shot? Heavy.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Duke win all three basketball games against UNC in 2025 despite injuries?
Duke’s depth carried them. With Cooper Flagg and Maliq Brown sidelined during the ACC Tournament, role players like Khaman Maluach and Patrick Ngongba stepped up. Ngongba went a perfect 6-for-6 from the floor, while Maluach added 13 points and 9 rebounds. Coach Jon Scheyer’s system emphasized ball movement and defensive discipline, allowing Duke to win without their top two scorers. This was a team win—not a star-driven performance.
Who were the key players for North Carolina in the 2025 matchups?
RJ Davis led UNC in scoring across all three games, averaging 18.7 points per game. Drake Powell and Jordan Ship were key contributors in basketball and football respectively, but UNC lacked consistent secondary scoring. Against Duke’s physical defense, UNC’s offense often stalled in the half-court, especially in the final minutes of close games. Their reliance on Davis became a vulnerability Duke exploited.
Why was the football win so significant for Duke?
Duke hadn’t been bowl eligible since 2021, and this 32-25 win over UNC on November 22, 2025, guaranteed their first postseason berth in four years. Anderson Castle’s three rushing touchdowns, including the game-winner, were historic for a Duke back. The win also ended UNC’s hopes of a winning season and gave Duke a rare sweep of their rivals in both major sports in the same year—a first in modern rivalry history.
How does the 2025 rivalry compare to past legendary matchups?
The 2025 sweep echoes the intensity of the 2022 Final Four game, where UNC beat Duke 81-77, and the emotional 92-90 overtime win in 2007 after Dean Smith’s death. But unlike those games, which were defined by single stars (Love, Bacot, Laettner), 2025 was about system over superstar. Duke’s depth and coaching triumphed over UNC’s individual talent, signaling a shift in the rivalry’s power balance.
What’s the historical win count between Duke and UNC in basketball?
As of March 2025, North Carolina leads the all-time series 141-117. But Duke has won 11 of the last 14 meetings since 2019, including all three in 2025. The Tar Heels hold the edge in total wins and Final Four appearances (20 to Duke’s 18), but Duke has won more ACC titles since 2000. The rivalry remains close, but the momentum is clearly with Duke.
Where do these games take place, and why do the venues matter?
The rivalry is split between Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham and the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill. Cameron is the loudest arena in college basketball—its small size, packed crowds, and steep stands create an environment where visiting teams struggle to hear themselves think. UNC’s home court is quieter but still intimidating. The venue doesn’t just host the game—it shapes the outcome.