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Chapel Hill was buzzing a little too early Saturday night.
The 14th-ranked Tar Heels scored a 3-pointer in the final seconds that everyone thought was a buzzer-beater on No. 4 Duke.
In their defense, the horn sounded and the clock showed zeros, so legions of blue Tar Heels stormed the field. Seth Trimble even celebrated Stephen Curry’s “lay down” celebration after hitting nothing but the net.
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North Carolina Tar Heels fans storm the floor after a victory against the Duke Blue Devils at the Dean E. Smith Center on February 7, 2026, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
However, officials reviewed the replay and decided to move the clock back 0.4 seconds.
Hundreds of fans then had to evacuate the pitch, which had to be wiped clean after food and drink spilled everywhere.
Fortunately for them, the initial legal storm was not a jinx. Duke couldn’t handle the inbounds pass, sealing a 71-68 victory for North Carolina.
It was UNC’s biggest win against Duke since 2001, coming off a 13-point deficit. The Tar Heels went on a 9-0 run over the final 2:25 and didn’t lead at any point until the final score.
North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble celebrates after beating Duke at the Dean E. Smith Center. (Bob Donnan/Imagn Images)
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House of Pain’s classic “Jump Around” then played over the loudspeaker after the second storm on the field, and the place continued to go crazy.
For what it’s worth, UNC will be fined at least $50,000 for violating ACC rules on legal challenges. The fine of $50,000 is provided for a first offense, and this amount doubles after the second offense. Technically, fans stormed the field twice.
It was UNC’s first win over Duke since March 9, 2024, after Duke swept all three games last year, including the ACC Tournament. The loss was only Duke’s second of the season, as UNC improved to 19-4.
Seth Trimble of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after making the game-winning shot against the Duke Blue Devils at the Dean E. Smith Center on February 7, 2026, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Their next meeting will be at Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 7.
