TOP FIVE: College Rivalries

During our Feb. 22 podcast, Bob and I debated whether or not Duke vs. UNC or Kentucky vs. Louisville was the best rivalry in college basketball. We agreed that the two are a cut above the rest, but what else is out there? It got me thinking about some of college basketball’s other great rivalries, and the next five after the two premier showdowns. Here are the five best rivalries after Duke vs. UNC and Kentucky vs. Louisville. Leave a comment if you disagree (I'm sure many will disagree with my No. 5 selection) and be sure to check out my brother's list.

1.) Georgetown vs. Villanova

Thank goodness conference realignment didn’t tear this classic to shreds. Even though the old Big East is dead, one of its many storied rivalries survived — The Hoyas vs. the Wildcats. Villanova’s epic upset of John Thompson’s top-seeded Hoyas in the 1985 NCAA National Championship game took this rivalry to a whole new level. The Wildcats became the lowest seed to win the national title at No. 8, and since the win the schools have had many intense battles.

2.) Arizona vs. UCLA 

The rivalry was pretty one sided before Lute Olson took over the Wildcats, but since then the two have combined to win 22 out of the last 30 conference championships and eight of 17 Pac-12 Tournament titles. UCLA may still hold the overall series lead, but since they joined the Pac-12 the programs are pretty even, with UCLA leading 42-37 (54-38 all time). Arguably the best rivalry out west.

3.) Cincinnati vs. Xavier

The Crosstown Shootout, despite not being a conference game, is one of the most intense rivalries in college hoops. The schools are only two miles apart and it’s safe to say there is no love between them, as many of the kids grew up in the area. That came to fruition in 2011, with a brawl that left both benches cleared and plenty of havoc in its wake. The games leading up to that brawl were no joke either, in 2008 six technical fouls were called on the two teams, 2009 saw multiple bench clearing jabs — but no fights. A very chippy and brutal rivalry, but fun to watch.

4.) Michigan vs. Michigan State

One of the most storied rivalries in the game, dating back to 1909, the pair have combined for three national championships, 13 Final Four appearances and 49 NCAA Tournament bids. They usually are fighting for a Big Ten title too, combining for 27 league championships and producing 12 Big Ten players of the year.

5.) Wooster vs. Wittenberg

With all respect to Hope/Calvin, which I hear is a fantastic Division III rivalry, I experienced many Wooster/Wittenberg showdowns during my tenure at Wooster, and I can’t see how any Division III rivalry tops it. Yeah, I am biased as a proud Wooster alum. But you know what? I don’t care. As the two winningest programs in all of Division III, Scots vs. Tigers is always intense. Many have come away saying it’s like a Division I atmosphere that always consists of a packed house — full of fans from both schools. The two are constantly playing intense games, Wooster leads the rivalry 55-54 with 45 of the 109 games being decided by 5 points or less. Not to mention the first-ever No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown in the Division III poll when they met in January 2006 (a Wooster victory). Mock D-III all you want, but come down for a Wooster/Wittenberg showdown and you’ll be very surprised at how intense things get.