Former UNC basketball star Tyler Hansbrough is rooting against his alma mater’s rival, Duke, in the NCAA Tournament. Hansbrough hopes that the Duke Blue Devils will lose to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Elite Eight. Following Duke’s victory over Arizona in the Sweet 16, Hansbrough expressed his support for Alabama to win their first national championship in school history. He made these comments during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” taking a playful dig at Duke in the process.
Despite his personal bias, Hansbrough’s prediction may not be in line with the odds. FanDuel Sportsbook has listed Duke as a 6.5-point favorite going into the matchup against Alabama. The rivalry between the two schools, known as the Tobacco Road rivalry, is one of college basketball’s fiercest competitions. Duke, coached by the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, has won five national championships, while UNC has claimed the title six times, with their most recent win in 2017. The upcoming game between Duke and Alabama is set to take place at 8:49 p.m. ET in Newark, New Jersey.
Hansbrough’s loyalty to North Carolina remains strong, as shown by his hope that Duke will be eliminated in the tournament. Despite his personal feelings, he acknowledges that Duke is the favorite going into the game against Alabama. The intense rivalry between the schools adds an extra layer of excitement to the matchup, with both teams having storied histories of success in college basketball. Whether Alabama can upset Duke and advance to the Final Four remains to be seen, but Hansbrough will be watching the game closely, rooting for his preferred outcome.
The Alabama Crimson Tide, led by Coach Nate Oats, are looking to build on their success from last year’s Final Four appearance. Their opponent, the Duke Blue Devils, are considered one of the top programs in college basketball history, with a strong legacy of success under Coach K. The odds favor Duke in the upcoming game, but Hansbrough’s support for Alabama adds an interesting twist to the matchup. The game is set to take place on Saturday evening in Newark, New Jersey, giving fans of both teams an eagerly anticipated showdown between these two college basketball powerhouses.
The anticipation for the upcoming game between Duke and Alabama is building, with fans eagerly awaiting the outcome of this Elite Eight matchup. Hansbrough’s allegiance to North Carolina adds a personal element to his support for Alabama, as he hopes to see Duke fall short in the tournament. While Duke enters the game as the favorite, Alabama will undoubtedly be looking to prove themselves and continue their impressive run in the NCAA Tournament. With the history and prestige of both programs, this game promises to be an exciting and competitive showdown that will showcase the best of college basketball on a national stage. Fans can expect a thrilling matchup between these two teams as they battle for a spot in the Final Four.
