The rivalry between the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and the Kansas Jayhawks is one of the most storied in college basketball. It dates back to the beginning of the NCAA tournament in 1939 and has only grown in intensity over the years. Both teams have won numerous championships, but which school has the most? In this article, we will take a look at the championship history of both UNC and KU to determine who has more championships.
Championships by UNC
The University of North Carolina Tar Heels have a long and storied history of championship success. The Tar Heels have won six NCAA championships, with the most recent coming in 2017. They have also made 31 Final Four appearances, with the most recent coming in 2019.
The Tar Heels have also had success in the NIT tournament, winning it three times in 1971, 1972, and 1975. Additionally, they have won the ACC Tournament 13 times in the past, with the most recent coming in 2016.
Championships by KU
The Kansas Jayhawks have also had a great deal of success in the NCAA tournament, winning three championships in 1952, 1988, and 2008. They have also made 15 Final Four appearances, with the most recent coming in 2018.
The Jayhawks have also won the Big 12 Tournament 13 times in the past, with the most recent coming in 2020. Additionally, they have won the NIT tournament three times in 1948, 1949, and 1993.
Comparison of UNC and KU Championships
When looking at the total number of championships won by UNC and KU, UNC has a clear advantage. UNC has won nine championships, while KU has won six. UNC has won six NCAA championships, three NIT championships, and 13 ACC Tournament championships. On the other hand, KU has won three NCAA championships, three NIT championships, and 13 Big 12 Tournament championships.
Notable Championship Games Between UNC and KU
One of the most memorable championship games in the history of the rivalry between UNC and KU took place in 2008, when the Jayhawks won the NCAA championship with a 75-68 victory over the Tar Heels. This was a particularly memorable game, as it was the first time in the history of the NCAA tournament that the championship game was decided in overtime.
More recently, the Tar Heels and Jayhawks met in the 2018 Elite Eight, with the Tar Heels prevailing in a hard-fought 79-67 victory. This was an important game in the history of the rivalry, as it marked the first time that UNC had defeated KU in the NCAA tournament since 1972.
NCAA Tournament Success
When it comes to NCAA tournament success, UNC has had more overall success than KU. The Tar Heels have won six NCAA championships, while the Jayhawks have won three. UNC has also made 31 Final Four appearances, while KU has made 15.
Big 12 Tournament Success
When it comes to Big 12 Tournament success, KU has had more overall success than UNC. The Jayhawks have won 13 Big 12 Tournaments, while the Tar Heels have not won any.
NIT Tournament Success
When it comes to NIT Tournament success, both UNC and KU have had similar levels of success. The Tar Heels have won three NIT championships, while the Jayhawks have won three as well.
Regular Season Success
When it comes to regular season success, both UNC and KU have had similar levels of success. The Tar Heels have won 23 regular season ACC championships, while the Jayhawks have won 12 Big 12 regular season championships.
Conclusion
When it comes to overall championship success, UNC clearly has an advantage over KU. The Tar Heels have won nine championships, while the Jayhawks have won six. UNC has won six NCAA championships, three NIT championships, and 13 ACC Tournament championships. On the other hand, KU has won three NCAA championships, three NIT championships, and 13 Big 12 Tournament championships.
The rivalry between UNC and KU is one of the greatest in college basketball and will continue to be a great source of competition and entertainment for many years to come. It is clear that the Tar Heels have had more overall success in terms of championships, and it is likely that this trend will continue into the future.