Kentucky Wildcats and Duke Blue Devils: A Basketball Rivalry for the Ages
A Rivalry Rooted in History
The Kentucky Wildcats and Duke Blue Devils are two of the most storied programs in college basketball history, with a rivalry that dates back to the 1920s. The teams have met 125 times, with Kentucky holding a 63-62 edge. The rivalry is one of the most intense in all of sports, with passionate fan bases and a history of close games.
Duke's Recent Dominance
In recent years, Duke has been the more dominant team in the rivalry. The Blue Devils have won seven of the last 12 meetings, including the last four straight. Duke's success has been due in large part to the play of Zion Williamson, who was one of the most highly touted recruits in college basketball history. Williamson led Duke to the 2019 NCAA championship game, where they lost to the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Kentucky's Resurgence
Kentucky has been resurgent under head coach John Calipari. The Wildcats have won the NCAA championship in 2012 and 2018, and they have been to the Final Four four times in the last six years. Kentucky's success has been due in large part to the play of Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns, and John Wall, who are all former NBA All-Stars.
The Battle of Atlanta
One of the most memorable games in the Kentucky-Duke rivalry was the "Battle of Atlanta" in 1992. The game was played in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, and it was one of the most intense and physical games in college basketball history. Kentucky won the game 103-102 in overtime, but the game is best remembered for the brawl that broke out between the two teams after the final buzzer. The brawl resulted in several players being suspended, and it is still considered one of the most controversial moments in college basketball history.
The Rivalry Today
The Kentucky-Duke rivalry is still one of the most intense in all of college basketball. The teams are scheduled to meet twice in the 2022-23 season, with the first game taking place in Lexington, Kentucky, on December 10th, and the second game taking place in Durham, North Carolina, on February 18th.
