Episode Details

THIS WAS THEN: Culture vs. Agriculture: Classic Stories from the NC State–UNC-CH Basketball RivalryTodd McGee and Tim Peeler look back at key moments in the NC State–UNC-CH men's basketball rivalry, from the first meeting in 1913 and an early pre-canceled game tied to eligibility disputes, through the 1919 Raleigh "state championship" matchup after World War I and the Spanish Flu. They trace how the rivalry intensified under Everett Case and Frank McGuire, including the foul-filled 1954 full-court press game, and share stories showing the coaches' public clashes and private friendship. The episode highlights notable games and incidents across decades: a 1959 Reynolds lights-out delay, the rivalry's Lull after the point-shaving scandal, recruiting battles that brought Tom Burleson and David Thompson to NC State, the 1975 ACC Tournament title game affected by Thompson's leg cramps, Al Green's 1976 game-winning free throw in Chapel Hill, and the 1979 Dudley Bradley steal-and-dunk finish. They revisit NC State moments tied to Hawkeye Whitney and the 1983 Jim Valvano era, including net-cutting celebrations, plus 1980s flashpoints like Valvano's layup to claim the last basket at Carmichael and banner thefts at the new Smith Center. The conversation also covers later-era upsets and oddities, including a 1991 Smith Center game canceled when the Gulf War began, Les Robinson's split make-up games and surprise wins over highly ranked UNC teams, and a story from Sidney Lowe's first home win over UNC that ended with Roy Williams congratulating Elliot Avent. The episode closes by noting the rivalry's depth and disappointment that the schools only play once this year.00:00 NC Pork Sponsor Open + Welcome to State–Carolina Basketball Week00:31 The Rivalry Almost Started in 1913… But it was canceled first01:38 1919: The 'State Championship' Showdown That Lit the Fuse03:34 Everett Case Arrives (1946) and Turns It Into a Real Rivalry04:54 McGuire vs. Case: The 1954 Foul-Fest and Officiating Firestorm06:11 Friends Off the Court: The Chicken Lunch Story & Their Bond07:58 1959 Lights Out at Reynolds: Probation, Starters Benched, Chaos09:32 '60s Lull to '70s Recruiting Wars: Burleson, Thompson, & Arms Race12:00 Mid-’70s Classics: 1975 Title Stakes + 1976 Al Green’s Walk-Off FT15:18 1979 Reynolds Stunner: Dudley Bradley's Steal, Dunk, and Aftermath18:38 Payback, Popcorn, & Road to '83: Whitney to Valvano's Breakthrough21:02 Sponsor Break: Sammy's Tap & Grill21:50 Net-Cutting Traditions and How College Hoops Changed22:37 The '80s Peak: V's Last Basket, Stolen Banners + #1 UNC Goes Down26:07 Keeping State in It: Smith Era, Roy Williams, and the 'Last 25 Years.’27:26 Gulf War Night: The Game That Didn't Happen in Chapel Hill29:11 Les Robinson's Wildest Feat: Two UNC Upsets Around a 9-Game Skid31:14 Final Story + Wrap: Sidney Lowe Era Memories, Thanks, and NCSN Sign-OffWelcome to the North Carolina Sports Network!Your home for all things sports in the Bold North State — from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, PGA TOUR, and NASCAR to the heart of ACC and college athletics.🎥 Stories. 🎙️ Podcasts. 📊 Analysis.Covering the legends, the rising stars, and everything in between.👇 Subscribe & follow:🌐 ncsportsnetwork.com🎧 Podcasts: Spotify, Apple & more📲 @TheNCSportsNet on all platforms#NCsports #BoldNorthState