CHAPEL HILL — The No. 4 Duke Blue Devils (21-2, 10-1) thought they had the game wrapped up, leading for 37:39 minutes of the 266th edition of the Tobacco Road Rivalry against the No. 14 North Carolina Tar Heels (19-4, 7-3). But in a stunning finish, Seth Trimble’s clutch triple with less than a second left on the clock gave UNC their first lead of the night, sending the crowd into a frenzy and storming the court.
Trimble’s game-winning shot was his first made 3-pointer of the night, and it marked a turning point for the Tar Heels, who had trailed for most of the game. The Blue Devils had weathered much of the storm, outpacing and outmaneuvering the Tar Heels for most of the matchup. But UNC’s defense and late-game surge proved too much for Duke.
After officials confirmed 0.4 seconds remained, Duke was granted one final possession. Isaiah Evans’ inbound attempt slipped out of his hands, securing a narrow win for the Tar Heels – their first over Duke since the 2023-24 season. The loss is a tough one for Duke, who had looked dominant for much of the game. The Tar Heels’ bench erupted in celebration as Trimble’s shot went in, and the crowd rushed the court in excitement. The atmosphere was electric, with fans and players alike celebrating the huge upset win.
The win is a big boost for UNC, who get a chance to build on their momentum. For Duke, it’s a tough pill to swallow, but they’ll look to bounce back strong.
