North Carolina vs. Kentucky: Two Historic Programs, Two Different Directions

It would be my belief that when North Carolina and Kentucky's athletic directors got off the phone they were rather excited for the fresh new rivalry of two basketball powerhouses. The two teams have combined 74 regular season conference championships, 50 conference tournament titles, 89 NCAA tournament appearances, 30 final fours, and 12 national championships. However, the rivalry between the two hasn’t been so amazing. Since 2000 North Carolina holds a slight advantage at 4-3 head to head against the Wildcats. Don’t bank on a close game, though! Kentucky’s three wins were by an average of 18 points. North Carolina’s four wins boast an average nine and a half point difference. As for the direction of the programs, there is a distinct difference. Since the change of coaches in Kentucky they have gone a measly 18-14 including losses to Gardner Webb and Virginia Military Institute. The year before Gillispie showed up wasn’t anything great either as the Wildcats ... (link)