UNC vs Duke - Mar. 9th, 2003 - Dean Smith Center

North Carolina snapped a six-game losing streak to rival Duke with an 82–79 win on March 9, 2003, salvaging an up-and-down season and ending a three-year slump in the rivalry. Led by Rashad McCants’ 26 points and Raymond Felton’s all-around performance (18 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists), the Tar Heels overcame late pressure and sealed the victory at the free-throw line. The game featured 21 lead changes and a chaotic finish, including a last-second 30-foot shot by Duke’s Dahntay Jones that was ruled late after replay review. Emotions ran high throughout, highlighted by a sideline shoving incident involving UNC coach Matt Doherty and Duke personnel. North Carolina shot a season-high 56 percent, while Duke struggled from 3-point range. The win marked a significant turnaround for UNC after a program-worst 8–20 season the year before and was hailed as a classic installment of the storied Carolina–Duke rivalry.