The biggest game so far in college basketball's regular season takes place tonight - UNC vs. Duke in Chapel Hill. The game will be the first of two matchups between two of the NCAA's most storied basketball programs. It's a big game just because it's Duke-Carolina, but tonight will be even bigger because both teams are highly ranked (The AP has Duke at #2 and UNC at #3). Both teams are also vying for a top seed in the East and the ability to play close to home (Charlotte) for the East Regionals of the NCAA Tournament.
Tickets to this game are always in high demand and almost impossible to find. There aren't even any tickets listed for sale on RazorGator.
Besides generating a huge amount of interest among college hoops fans, this game is big because it pits two of the most valuable teams (from a business perspective) against each other. According to Forbes, the Tar Heels basketball team is the most valuable in the country. Forbes estimates that the Heels are worth $26 million, with a profit of about $16.9 million. Duke's team is ranked fifth and is valued at $22.6 million with about $11.1 million in profit.
I'm hoping my Tar Heels can pull it off tonight, but it's going to be tough with UNC PG Ty Lawson out or limited with a high-ankle sprain. If Lawson doesn't play, look for backup Quentin Thomas to play a major role. We might just have to say "In Q we trust" and cross our fingers...
GO HEELS!