The rivalry between Duke University and Wake Forest University is one of the most storied in college basketball. The two schools are located just a few miles apart in North Carolina and have been competing against each other on the basketball court for over a century.
Origins of the Rivalry
The rivalry between Duke and Wake Forest began in 1920, when the two schools first met on the basketball court. The game was played at Wake Forest’s campus in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Duke won by a score of 24-19.
From the very beginning, the rivalry was intense. Both schools were located in the same state and had similar academic profiles. They also had strong basketball programs, and their games were always close.
The 1974 “Game of the Century”
One of the most famous games in the history of the Duke-Wake Forest rivalry was played in 1974. The game was billed as the “Game of the Century” and it lived up to its billing.
The game was played at Carmichael Auditorium on Duke’s campus. Duke was ranked No. 1 in the country, while Wake Forest was ranked No. 2. The game was close throughout, and it came down to the final possession.
With just seconds remaining, Wake Forest’s David Thompson drove to the basket and was fouled by Duke’s Mike Gminski. Thompson made both free throws to give Wake Forest a 80-77 victory.
The “Game of the Century” is still considered one of the greatest college basketball games of all time. It helped to cement the rivalry between Duke and Wake Forest as one of the most intense in the country.
The Modern Era
The Duke-Wake Forest rivalry has continued to be intense in recent years. Both schools have had success on the basketball court, and their games are always close.
In the 2022-23 season, Duke and Wake Forest played twice. Duke won both games, but the second game went to overtime.
The rivalry between Duke and Wake Forest is one of the most storied in college basketball. The two schools have played each other over 100 times, and their games are always close. The rivalry is sure to continue to be intense for many years to come.
Duke vs. Wake Forest by the Numbers
- Duke leads the overall series 63-48.
- Duke has won the last three meetings between the two schools.
- The two schools are located just 13 miles apart in Durham and Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
- The “Game of the Century” was played in 1974 and is still considered one of the greatest college basketball games of all time.
- Duke has won four national championships, while Wake Forest has won one.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few common mistakes that people make when talking about the Duke-Wake Forest rivalry.
- Mistake 1: Referring to the rivalry as the “Duke-UNC rivalry.” The Duke-UNC rivalry is a separate rivalry that dates back to 1920.
- Mistake 2: Assuming that Duke always wins the rivalry. While Duke does lead the overall series, Wake Forest has won some big games in recent years.
- Mistake 3: Overlooking the history of the rivalry. The Duke-Wake Forest rivalry is one of the oldest and most storied in college basketball.
How to Watch Duke vs. Wake Forest
There are a few different ways to watch Duke vs. Wake Forest basketball games.
- On TV: Most Duke and Wake Forest games are televised on ESPN or ACC Network.
- Online: You can also watch Duke and Wake Forest games online through ESPN+ or the ACC Network app.
- In person: You can also watch Duke and Wake Forest games in person at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham or Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem.
FAQs
- Who has the most wins in the Duke-Wake Forest rivalry? Duke has the most wins in the Duke-Wake Forest rivalry, with a record of 63-48.
- Who won the “Game of the Century”? Wake Forest won the “Game of the Century” in 1974 by a score of 80-77.
- When is the next Duke-Wake Forest game? The next Duke-Wake Forest game is scheduled for February 22, 2024 at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem.
- How can I watch Duke vs. Wake Forest? You can watch Duke vs. Wake Forest games on TV, online, or in person.
Conclusion
The Duke-Wake Forest rivalry is one of the most storied in college basketball. The two schools have played each other over 100 times, and their games are always close. The rivalry is sure to continue to be intense for many years to come.
