The UNC men’s basketball program gained the first laugh in this year’s rivalry games with Duke, setting up a potential regular-season sweep when they play again in March.

The Tar Heels came out explosive, using a fast-pace to run Duke off the court. These games provide the opportunity for UNC players to have their “Tar Heel legacy game,” and that’s what transfer star Harrison Ingram did with a monstrous performance.

Ingram poured in a season-high 21 points with a career-high from 3, going 5 for 9 behind the arc. Ingram tacked on 13 rebounds, continuing his dominance on the boards: 122 rebounds in the last 10 games.

Following the win, I spoke with Ingram about playing in the big rivalry game and if it was the best atmosphere he’s played in.

“The craziest, every game it feels like it gets crazier. Whether I’m on the road or whether I’m here. … The rivalry, we both top 10, fans showed out. I knew it was going to be a fun game. I mean the whole week, my classes all my friends in my classes talking about are you ready. I’ve never felt this much anticipation from a game, from our students from our coaches. … The hype was all built up and we were ready to go.”

Ingram revealed he had more than 50 people in attendance counting family, AAU coaches and former teammates. It’s safe to say he delivered them quite a show.

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Story originally appeared on Tarheels Wire