Williams vs. North Carolina: A Battle for Basketball Supremacy

Introduction

The rivalry between Williams College and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) is one of the most storied in college basketball history. The two teams have met 135 times since 1911, with UNC holding a narrow 70-65 advantage. However, in recent years, Williams has closed the gap, winning four of the last seven meetings.

The Early Years

The rivalry began in 1911, when Williams defeated UNC 33-26 in a game played in Chapel Hill. The teams met again in 1913, with UNC winning 42-25. However, Williams won the next two meetings, in 1914 and 1915, and the rivalry was on.

The Dean Smith Era

Under the legendary coach Dean Smith, UNC dominated the rivalry, winning 29 of 37 meetings from 1961 to 1997. However, Williams began to close the gap in the late 1990s, and in 2003, the Ephs defeated the Tar Heels for the first time in 16 years.

The Roy Williams Era

When Roy Williams took over as coach of UNC in 2003, he vowed to restore the Tar Heels' dominance over Williams. And he did just that, winning 11 of the first 13 meetings between the two schools. However, Williams has begun to turn the tide back in the Ephs' favor, winning three of the last four meetings.

The Current Rivalry

The rivalry between Williams and UNC is as intense as ever. The two teams are always among the top teams in the country, and their games are always highly anticipated. The most recent meeting between the two schools was in 2020, with UNC winning 81-76.

The Key Players

Over the years, there have been many great players who have starred in the Williams-UNC rivalry. Some of the most notable include:

• Williams: James Naismith, Tommy Heinsohn, Tom Davis, Jack Foley, Grey Giovanine, Mike Sweetney, Isaiah Thomas
• UNC: Michael Jordan, James Worthy, Sam Perkins, Hubert Davis, Vince Carter, Tyler Hansbrough, Joel Berry II

The Impact of the Rivalry

The rivalry between Williams and UNC has had a profound impact on both schools. It has helped to raise the profile of both programs, and it has created a sense of community and pride among the alumni and fans of both schools.

The Future of the Rivalry

The Williams-UNC rivalry is one of the most storied in college basketball history, and it is sure to continue to be a source of excitement and passion for years to come.

Key Stats

Notable Games

• 1916: Williams defeated UNC 108-33, the largest margin of victory in the history of the rivalry.
• 1968: UNC defeated Williams 102-49, the largest margin of victory for the Tar Heels in the history of the rivalry.
• 2003: Williams defeated UNC 75-73, ending the Tar Heels' 16-game winning streak in the rivalry.
• 2010: Williams defeated UNC 74-68 in overtime, the first overtime game in the history of the rivalry.
• 2020: UNC defeated Williams 81-76, the most recent meeting between the two schools.

Stories and Lessons

• The 1916 Game: In 1916, Williams defeated UNC 108-33, the largest margin of victory in the history of the rivalry. The game was played in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and it was a dominant performance by the Ephs. Williams led 58-18 at halftime and cruised to the victory.

• The 1968 Game: In 1968, UNC defeated Williams 102-49, the largest margin of victory for the Tar Heels in the history of the rivalry. The game was played in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and it was a one-sided affair from the start. UNC led 52-24 at halftime and cruised to the victory.

• The 2003 Game: In 2003, Williams defeated UNC 75-73, ending the Tar Heels' 16-game winning streak in the rivalry. The game was played in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and it was a thrilling contest from start to finish. Williams led by 10 points with just over two minutes remaining, but UNC rallied to tie the game with just seconds remaining. However, Williams' Adam Aronow hit a jumper with just 0.3 seconds remaining to give the Ephs the victory.

What We Can Learn from These Stories

These stories teach us several important lessons about the Williams-UNC rivalry:

• The rivalry is always competitive: No matter what the records of the two teams are, the games are always close and exciting.
• The home court advantage is real: Both teams have a decided advantage when playing at home.
• The rivalry is more than just a game: The Williams-UNC rivalry is about more than just basketball. It is about school pride, community, and tradition.

Tips and Tricks to Win the Rivalry

If you are a fan of Williams or UNC, here are a few tips to help your team win the rivalry:

• Cheer loud and proud: The crowd noise can make a big difference in the outcome of the game.
• Get behind your team: Even when things are going tough, it is important to show your support for your team.
• Follow the game on social media: This is a great way to keep up with the latest news and highlights from the game.
• Wear your team's gear: This is a great way to show your pride and support for your team.
• Attend the game: There is nothing like being there in person to experience the atmosphere of a Williams-UNC game.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

If you want your team to win the rivalry, it is important to avoid these common mistakes:

• Don't take the rivalry too seriously: It is important to remember that the rivalry is just a game.
• Don't be a sore loser: If your team loses, don't be a sore loser. Congratulate the other team and move on.
• Don't be a fair-weather fan: If your team is struggling, it is important to continue to support them.
• Don't engage in trash talk: Trash talk is not only rude, but it can also motivate the other team to play better.

Pros and Cons

Pros of the Rivalry:

• It is a great way to build school pride and community: The Williams-UNC rivalry is a great way for the students, alumni, and fans of both schools to come together and celebrate their shared love of basketball.
• It helps to raise the profile of both schools: The rivalry has helped to raise the profile of both Williams and UNC. The games are always covered by national media, and they help to attract top recruits to both schools.
• It is a great way to learn about the history of basketball: The Williams-UNC rivalry is one of the oldest and most storied in college basketball history. The games are a great way to learn about the history of the sport and the great players who have played in it.

Cons of the Rivalry:

• It can be stressful for fans: The Williams-UNC rivalry is a very intense rivalry, and the games can be very stressful for fans of both teams.
• It can lead to injuries: The Williams-UNC rivalry is a very physical rivalry, and the games can often lead to injuries for players on both teams.
• It can be a distraction from academics: The Williams-UNC rivalry can be a major distraction from academics for students at both schools. The games are often played during the middle of the week, and they can take up a lot of time and energy for students.

Conclusion

The Williams-UNC rivalry is one of the most storied in college basketball history. The two teams have met 135 times since 1911, and the games are always close and exciting. The rivalry has helped to raise the profile of both schools, and it has created a sense of community and pride among the alumni and fans of both schools.

Table 1: Overall Record