CHAPEL HILL — Three teams from the Triangle are playing in the ACC semi-finals, and fans are glued in front of TVs for the duration, poised to party.

"You can tell by the crowd noise how Carolina is doing," says Carolina Grill cook Dennis Breen.

Stuck in the kitchen, Breen says "I like being over here, but it's more fun being over there, drinking a beer, and watching the game than standing here and getting hot and sweaty."

Breen passes his passion on to his customers through his Carolina cuisine, even though the chef is not from the Tar Heel state.

"I'm not from North Carolina," he says, "but my wife is. She went to law school down here. I got over it and now I really do enjoy Carolina."

And so do the customers who crowd the restaurant.

Many love Carolina for its tradition. "I really like Dean Smith," explains Carolina grad Rose Mackritis, "and I think he gets really good players: Michael Jordan, of course, James Worthy, of course." Mackritis is one of many ABD fans - she'll cheer for anybody but Duke.

The faithful hold out hope their Tar Heels will meet and beat the Blue Devils.

"Carolina had a much better team than Duke last year and Duke managed to steal a win so I think the Tar Heels have a great shot if they can get to Sunday and get a match-up against them," says Brooke Small, a UNC graduate.

Many just want vengeance for the Heels' recent loss to Duke at the Dean Dome.

Whoever wins or loses, one thing is certain: fans are always in for a good show on Franklin Street.