All Tar Heels

UConn Threatens to Top Late-2000s UNC Basketball Non-Conference Streak

UNC basketball gets its shot to knock UConn down a peg in a couple of weeks.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball forward Tyler Hansbrough (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports)
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From the first game of the 2008-09 season through the third outing of the 2009-10 campaign, UNC basketball recorded 23 straight double-digit wins against non-conference opponents.

That's the nation's longest such streak in the past 40 years, per ESPN's Jeff Borzello. And it's no surprise, of course, that the bulk of it coincided with UNC basketball legend Tyler Hansbrough's senior year and the Tar Heels' 2009 national title.

But this year's reigning national champion, UConn, is knocking on that streak's door.

Following Monday's 81-71 victory over 15th-ranked Texas in New York City's Madison Square Garden to capture the Empire Classic trophy, the No. 5 Huskies are at 22 straight.

UConn's next two contests, both of the non-conference variety, are at home against unranked foes: Manhattan on Friday afternoon and New Hampshire on Monday night.

Then, the Huskies play at No. 1 Kansas in primetime on Dec. 1 before facing No. 14 UNC as part of the Jimmy V Classic in Madison Square Garden on Dec. 5 at 9 p.m. ET.

So, assuming neither Manhattan nor New Hampshire manage to pull off what would be a monumental upset, the Jayhawks and Tar Heels are the next two in line to potentially put an end to UConn's non-conference dominance (the double-digit streak dates back to last year's season opener).

By then, though, the UNC basketball program might no longer boast the modern-day record for double-digit wins in non-conference action.

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Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more UNC basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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