The last week of college basketball’s regular season is highlighted by rivalry matchups.

The final week of the college basketball regular season is always one of the most thrilling times of the year. As the race for conference championships heats up and teams jockey for position in the NCAA Tournament, the stakes are incredibly high. But what truly makes this week special are the fierce and often bitter rivalry matchups that add an extra layer of drama and intensity to the already high-stakes environment. Whether it’s a long-standing rivalry, an underdog story, or the final tune-up before March Madness, these games capture the essence of college basketball and leave fans on the edge of their seats.

The Importance of Rivalry Games

Rivalry games in college basketball are unlike any other. They are the culmination of years, even decades, of history, tradition, and animosity. These games carry weight far beyond just the current season; they are about pride, bragging rights, and oftentimes, the battle for superiority in the region or conference. When two teams with bad blood face off, the energy in the building — and in the arenas where the games take place — is palpable.

The final week of the regular season offers teams one last chance to square off with their archrivals, often with the added pressure of determining postseason seeding, conference titles, or even NCAA Tournament berths. Every possession, every shot, and every decision is magnified because, in rivalry games, the players know that these are moments that will be remembered for years to come. The unpredictability of rivalry matchups is one of the most alluring aspects of college basketball — anything can happen.

Notable Rivalries to Watch in the Last Week

As the final week approaches, several major rivalry games capture the attention of fans across the country. Some of these games have title implications, while others are about securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Regardless of the stakes, these games are sure to provide drama, excitement, and a healthy dose of competitive fire.

1. Duke vs. North Carolina: The Tobacco Road Showdown

Few rivalries in all of sports can match the intensity and passion of Duke vs. North Carolina. The two blueblood programs have been at the heart of college basketball for decades, and their meetings are always some of the most highly anticipated games of the year. Known as the “Tobacco Road Showdown,” this rivalry is steeped in history, with countless memorable moments that have left fans of both schools with lasting memories.

In the final week of the regular season, this matchup takes on added significance. Both teams are usually battling for high seeds in the NCAA Tournament and, often, for the coveted ACC regular-season title. Duke, under Coach Mike Krzyzewski for many years, has built an empire in Durham, while North Carolina has long been a force in Chapel Hill, with legendary coaches like Dean Smith and Roy Williams shaping the program’s legacy.

As the final meeting of the regular season approaches, this game often serves as a referendum on both teams’ chances for March Madness. In 2025, both Duke and North Carolina are expected to have strong teams, and the game could be pivotal in deciding who finishes atop the ACC standings. With NBA prospects on both rosters, the eyes of not just college basketball fans, but also scouts and analysts, will be focused on this rivalry clash.

Whether it’s a star player stepping up to make a game-winning shot or an emotional post-game handshake between the two coaches, this rivalry never lacks for drama.

2. Kansas vs. Kansas State: The Sunflower State Showdown

The Sunflower State Showdown is one of the most intense rivalries in college basketball, fueled by the proximity of the two campuses and the fierce desire for state bragging rights. Kansas, a perennial powerhouse under Coach Bill Self, has long been the dominant force in the Big 12, while Kansas State, while not consistently as successful, has always provided a tough challenge when facing the Jayhawks.

This game is particularly exciting because of the rivalry’s unpredictability. While Kansas typically has a roster stacked with talent, Kansas State’s scrappy and tough-nosed approach has often been a thorn in the side of their larger in-state rival. The final game of the regular season between these two teams could have significant implications for both the Big 12 standings and the NCAA Tournament, as both schools are frequently in the mix for high seeds in March.

Kansas State fans are known for their passionate support of the Wildcats, and when they host the Jayhawks, the atmosphere in Bramlage Coliseum is electric. Kansas fans, of course, pack Allen Fieldhouse when the Wildcats come to town, making for a hostile and exciting environment. These games are filled with high emotion, and the players know how much this rivalry means to their respective programs.

3. Michigan vs. Michigan State: The Battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy

One of the most heated rivalries in college basketball takes place between Michigan and Michigan State. The Battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy is one of the great traditions in the Big Ten, and as these two teams meet in the final week of the regular season, both will be looking to make a statement ahead of the postseason.

Michigan State, under legendary head coach Tom Izzo, has a storied history of success in the NCAA Tournament and is often a team that thrives in March. Michigan, on the other hand, has had its share of ups and downs but is always dangerous when it comes to rivalry games. Both schools have passionate fanbases, and when they meet on the hardwood, the rivalry takes on an added sense of urgency as the stakes are amplified.

The final game of the regular season between Michigan and Michigan State is always a hard-fought, emotional affair. Both teams will be looking to secure a solid NCAA Tournament bid, and this game could serve as a launching pad for the postseason. Expect a game filled with intensity, spectacular individual performances, and perhaps even some off-court drama that has come to define this fierce rivalry.

4. Kentucky vs. Florida: The SEC Showdown

In the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the rivalry between Kentucky and Florida has grown increasingly competitive over the years. Kentucky, as the perennial powerhouse of the SEC, is usually in the mix for an NCAA Tournament bid, and Florida has always been a strong competitor under a variety of coaches. When these two teams face off, it’s often an intense contest with major implications for conference standings and March Madness seeding.

Florida has a history of playing spoiler to Kentucky’s title hopes, and there is always extra motivation for the Gators to knock off the Wildcats. For Kentucky, every SEC game is crucial as they fight for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament, and a loss to Florida could jeopardize their chances at a favorable position. The rivalry is also fueled by the contrasting styles of play: Kentucky’s up-tempo, high-flying offense versus Florida’s more methodical, defensive-minded approach.

The final week showdown between Kentucky and Florida will no doubt be filled with plenty of drama, with both teams giving their all for a chance to claim SEC supremacy and bolster their NCAA Tournament resumes.

5. UCLA vs. USC: The Battle for Los Angeles

The rivalry between UCLA and USC is one of the most exciting matchups in college basketball, particularly as both programs have risen to national prominence in recent years. With both teams vying for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament, this rivalry game has become a must-watch event every season.

UCLA has been one of the premier programs in college basketball for decades, and their legacy of success under coaches like John Wooden is legendary. However, USC has been a rising force in the Pac-12, with talented recruits and a young, energetic team looking to prove they belong among the elite.

The Battle for Los Angeles has developed into one of the most anticipated rivalries in college basketball. The close proximity of the two campuses adds an extra layer of intensity to the matchup, as both teams fight for bragging rights in Southern California. With NBA-level talent on both rosters, this game is often a showcase of the best of college basketball. The outcome could have major implications for both teams’ postseason hopes and Pac-12 positioning.

The Rivalry Atmosphere: What Makes These Games Special?

The atmosphere of rivalry games is what makes them truly special. From the moment the teams step onto the floor, the tension is palpable. The fanbases are at their loudest, the players are at their most intense, and the coaches are at their most animated. Rivalry games have a way of bringing out the best and worst in teams, as emotions run high and the pressure to perform is overwhelming.

In these games, the stakes are not just about wins and losses — they are about pride, tradition, and legacy. The outcome of a rivalry game can shape the way a season is remembered. A team that wins a rivalry matchup might ride that momentum into the NCAA Tournament, while a loss could lead to a wave of doubts and questions.

The energy and passion of rivalry games transcend the Xs and Os. These matchups are about the stories, the history, and the emotions that come with each contest. They add a layer of drama that no other type of game can replicate, making the final week of the college basketball regular season one of the most exciting stretches of the year.