The showdown that begins Saturday between students from both schools will follow that epic tradition -- at least in length.

Two 12-person teams will try to break the Guinness world record for longest basketball game. If all goes as planned, the teams will play for 58 hours, including scheduled breaks and a halftime.

They plan to start at 8 a.m. Saturday in Fetzer Gym on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus and finish about 6 p.m. Monday. Former Sen. John Edwards is scheduled to throw up the opening tip.

"It's awesome to be able to use a rivalry like Duke and UNC for a good cause," said Liz Brady, one of the marathon game organizers.

That good cause is the Hoop Dreams Basketball Academy, based in Chapel Hill.

It offers classes in basketball and other sports to children with life-threatening illnesses.

"These children may lose hope, withdraw from family and friends or become depressed," the charity's Web site says.

"Through physical exercise and participating in a team activity, these children have the opportunity to connect and interact with others. In doing so, they form positive peer relationships that help build their self-confidence."

The marathoners have raised about $30,000 of their $80,000 goal.

"The kids at Hoop Dreams really need this," Brady said.

All contestants must stay in the gym for the duration. That means sleeping, eating, showering in the gym for three days, in addition to playing five-on-five full court basketball in shifts.

Bands and dance groups will entertain spectators during the event.

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