With cold weather arriving, here comes college basketball. Last Friday, November 13, the collegiate basketball season tipped off. Teams from all around the country began their season and their journey to March Madness.

College basketball in the Triangle is a wonderful thing. Having the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Duke and North Carolina State University all close in proximity is a special treat for basketball fans. UNC begins their season ranked No. 1 in the country and Duke is ranked No. 5 in the country.

Two local top five teams is always a treat for basketball lovers.

“When I saw UNC was ranked No. 1 in the country is was very excited. Then I saw Duke was ranked No. 5 and now I can’t wait for their game this season,” junior Ben Ralls said.

UNC began its season November 13 with a win against Temple.  The Tarheels returned lots of talent from a talented team last year. The Tarheels are looking to add another banner to the rafters of the Dean Dome this year.   The team also added former Broughton player Justin Coleman on Scholarship.

Duke started its season with a strong performance against Sienna. The Blue Devils lost by 11 points to second-ranked Kentucky Wildcats Tuesday, November 17.  Poor shooting plagued the Devils in the loss. The reigning national champions Blue Devils look to recover from this loss in their defense of the title.

NC State came out slow with an opening night loss to William & Mary. The Wolfpack were shocked by opening night woes but they bounced back strong with a win Sunday night against Southern Alabama. The Wolfpack is currently in the Legends Classic and they will play two big games in Brooklyn next week.

“It is looking like it may be an up and down year for NC State after their opening night struggles,” sophomore Drew Whitley said.

This year’s basketball season has potential to be a close race to make the tournament. Many teams from power five conferences are talented, especially the ACC. Keep an eye on the Tobacco Road matchup this year;  it may very well reveal the ACC champion.