GREENSBORO, N.C. — March Madness is upon us and we’re on the road following both Duke and UNC as they battle for greatness in the NCAA Tournament.
WFMY News 2 has crews including Sports Anchor, Patrick Wright in Columbus, Ohio following UNC and Sports Anchor, Luke Lyddon bound for Columbia, South Carolina following Duke.
What a game! Sunday, MARCH 24 - UCF vs Duke
Duke headed to Sweet 16!
Duke wins after last second shot by UCF doesn't fall. The No. 1 overall seed rallied in the final seconds to beat UCF 77-76 and reach the Sweet 16 in the East Region.
The Knights had two shots for the win on the final possession, but B.J. Taylor missed a driving shot that rolled off the rim. The same then happened to Aubrey Dawkins' last-ditch tip-in attempt, securing the win for Duke
SUNDAY, MARCH 24 - Washington vs UNC
Tar Heels headed to the Sweet 16!
The Tar Heels beat Washington 81-59 to make it to at least the second weekend for the fourth time in five seasons. Luke Maye had 20 points and 14 rebounds, while freshman Nassir Little had 20 points off the bench to lead the Tar Heels.
UNC DANCES TO ROUND 2
The Tar Heels dance away with a first-round win against IONA, 88-73. UNC (1) takes on Washington (9) in Round 2 of the NCAA Tourney on Sunday.
DUKE DANCES TO ROUND 2
The Blue Devils move past 16th-seeded North Dakota State 85-62 in the East Region. Duke will face either No. 8 seed VCU or No. 9 seed UCF on Sunday for a spot in the Sweet 16.
DUKE AND UNC GAME TIMES
No. 1 Duke will take on No. 16 N. Dakota State Friday in the first round at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, S.C. You can watch the game right here on WFMY News 2 at 7:00 p.m.
No. 1 UNC will take on No. 16 Iona as they try to dance their way to the Final Four. UNC is playing at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH. The game will air on TNT at 9:20 p.m.
WFMY News 2’s Wright and Lyddon arrived to the arenas on Thursday in time for the practice round for both teams.
Our NCAA Tourney Journey
PATRICK FOLLOWING UNC IN COLUMBUS, OHIO
Wright was excited to hit the road with WFMY News 2 Photographer Kyle Connolly early Thursday morning as the follow UNC on their 50th all-time NCAA Tournament playing the in Midwest Region.
They saw a lot along the way on their Trip to Ohio. They traveled through tunnels in Virginia, over Bridges in West Virginia, and through the plains of Southern Ohio. They made it after 6 and a half hours!
The Tar Heels are ready to dance. Players said they’re determined to make it further than last year's second-round exit.
"With it being our last go round and with the early last year and the way we got beat last year, it's definitely fuel for us going into the tournament and we're going to use that the best we can," said UNC’s Kenny Williams.
They're hoping the dance in Columbus is just the start of something special.
"We’re going into the game realizing it could be our last game and we have to do what we can to stick around," said UNC’s Luke Maye.
The Tar Heels will try to make it back to the National Championship for the third time in the past four years.
Earlier this season Patrick sat down with UNC Freshman Guard, Coby White for one minute to talk about any and everything!
No. 1 UNC will take on No. 16 Iona Friday at 9:20 p.m.
LUKE FOLLOWING DUKE IN COLUMBIA, SC
The excitement is in full swing in Columbia, South Carolina. Lots of Duke fans are anxious to see their team play Friday against N. Dakota State.
Drawing the crowds in -- Duke’s Zion Williamson. Luke caught up with Williamson who says it’s all a little surreal.
“Dream come true! You say you want to play in March Madness as a little kid and now that it is happening, you just really can't ask much more,” said Williamson.
On Thursday, the team hosted a quick practice session with fans in the stands!
But every time Zion touched the ball all the fans anticipating a dunk were let down and let out an expressive sigh when it was just a layup.
Also important to note, center Marques Bolden was seen on the court as well and is expected to play minutes come Friday night!
We caught up with the Blue Devils in the locker room.
"We are extremely excited to get going in the NCAA Tournament today, tomorrow with it being our first time, it's going to be a lot of fun," said Tre Jones.
“Waiting all my life to get here, really a blessing can't do anything but thank God that I am here right now. I'm gonna take it in, embrace it all and enjoy it,” said Cam Reddish.
Duke tips off at 7:10 p.m. on WFMY News 2 against N. Dakota State.
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