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Men's college basketball's 100 greatest rivalries: No. 25-1

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 19:29 GMT by SB Nation
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The 100 Greatest Rivalries in Men’s College Basketball – A Deep Dive

When the college‑basketball world asked for its most heated matchups, SB Nation rolled up its sleeves and delivered a definitive, decade‑long countdown of the 100 greatest rivalries in the sport. The list, published in 2014, ranks the duels from the least storied (#100) to the most iconic (#1), and offers a narrative that goes beyond the box score. At its heart, the article examines why certain games capture the imagination of players, coaches, and fans alike, and it shows how rivalries can transcend on‑court success to become cultural phenomena.

The Framework

The writers at SB Nation built the list around several key criteria:

1. Historical Depth – Rivalries that have existed for decades (or even a century) carry a weight that newer matchups cannot match.
2. Competitive Balance – A rivalry that has remained relatively even over time keeps fans on edge, while lopsided histories are treated with nuance.
3. Emotional Intensity – Whether it’s a city’s pride, a conference showdown, or a clash of coaching philosophies, the article emphasizes the passion that fuels each rivalry.
4. National Visibility – Games that have drawn national attention, whether through televised broadcasts or pivotal tournament outcomes, are highlighted.
5. Legacy Moments – Classic games—those with buzzer‑beaters, record‑breaking performances, or game‑changing coaching decisions—serve as anchors in the narrative.

Each entry is presented with a short paragraph of historical context, key moments, and the current state of the rivalry, followed by a few bullet points that capture what makes the matchup special.

The Top of the List

At the very pinnacle sits the North Carolina vs. Duke rivalry, number 1 on the list. The article recounts the origins of the rivalry in the 1940s and how it grew into one of the most televised and talked-about series in all of sport. The writers highlight legendary encounters such as the 1993 NCAA championship game, the 2006 Final Four meeting, and the 2015 ACC tournament final where Duke’s Tim Duncan, a former NBA legend, had a pivotal performance. In addition to the high-profile games, the piece references the deep-rooted tradition at both schools: UNC’s “Tar Heel” heritage and Duke’s “Blue Devils” moniker, each steeped in centuries of institutional history. This pairing is lauded for its almost mythic quality—players who have faced one, have inevitably faced the other—and for consistently producing nationally ranked teams that often fight for the same postseason spots.

The Middle Ground – A Taste of Intensity

While the top 10 rivalries set a standard of excellence, the article also shines a light on some of the more surprising matchups that capture the heart of the game.

• Kansas vs. Missouri (#7): The writers detail how the two teams’ shared roots in the early days of college basketball, coupled with the rivalry’s status as the “Battle of the Plains,” create a unique dynamic. They recount the 2012 ACC tournament final, where Kansas’ freshman phenom Jae Crowder led a dramatic comeback.
• Syracuse vs. Villanova (#14): The piece explores the East Coast showdown that has produced several buzzer‑beaters, including Villanova’s 2016 national championship run that ended with a memorable victory over Syracuse in the Sweet 16. The article also references Syracuse’s storied “NIT Champions” past and how it contrasts with Villanova’s recent national title success.
• Kentucky vs. Louisville (#2): The rivalry is described as one of the most bitter in college sports, with a history of accusations, protests, and even a 1972 walkout by Kentucky players. Highlighted are the 2018 SEC tournament final, where Louisville’s freshman point guard Mike Hughes led a last‑second rally.

These examples show how rivalries can hinge on a few high‑stakes games that capture national interest, even if the series is not as long‑standing as UNC vs. Duke.

The Lower Ranks – Regional Fervor

The article also dedicates space to regional rivalries that may not get as much television coverage but are fiercely contested by local fan bases.

• Michigan vs. Ohio State (#3): The writers paint a picture of the Great Lakes rivalry, complete with the annual “Michigan State vs. Michigan” tilt and the emotional stakes when the two teams clash in the Big Ten tournament.
• UConn vs. Connecticut (#42): While not as historically steeped as the others, this intrastate rivalry has gained momentum due to UConn’s multiple national championships in the early 2000s.
• Texas vs. Texas A&M (#51): The article touches on how the “Border War” evolved into a national conversation when Texas dominated in the 1990s, only for Texas A&M to rise in the 2000s.

In each case, the writers highlight the unique traditions (e.g., the “Fight Song” at Michigan, the “Marching Band” at Texas) that add flavor to the on‑court competition.

Key Themes and Takeaways

The SB Nation article not only catalogs rivalries but also draws several broader conclusions about what makes a college basketball rivalry endure:

1. Narrative Over Records – A rivalry that tells a compelling story—be it a series of upsets, a coaching feud, or a city’s identity—can remain vibrant even when one team dominates on paper.
2. Fan Engagement – From tailgating to rivalry‑specific chants, the article shows how local communities coalesce around these games.
3. Media Amplification – Televised games and social media buzz often turn a regional showdown into a national headline.
4. Cultural Significance – Some rivalries reflect broader cultural or geographic divisions (e.g., North vs. South, Midwest vs. East), adding layers beyond the sport.
5. Legacy and Continuity – Programs that have a long lineage of success, like UNC, Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas, tend to preserve rivalries across coaching changes and generational shifts.

The piece ends by acknowledging that rivalries are fluid—they can intensify or fade depending on recruitment pipelines, conference realignment, and on‑court outcomes. Yet the list stands as a testament to the enduring power of competition, tradition, and regional pride in college basketball.

Final Thoughts

For fans of the sport, SB Nation’s 100 greatest rivalries serve as both a nostalgic trip down memory lane and a guide for the next generation of matchups to watch. While the top-tier duels like UNC vs. Duke and Kentucky vs. Louisville capture the national imagination, the article reminds us that the true heart of college basketball beats strongest in the intense, often under‑the‑radar, regional battles that fuel local communities. The countdown not only showcases the history of the game but also offers a blueprint for understanding how rivalry is more than a series of wins and losses—it’s a living, breathing narrative that shapes the culture of college basketball.