NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
Chapel Hill was buzzing way too early on Saturday night.
The 14th-ranked Tar Heels hit a 3-pointer in the final seconds that everyone thought was a buzzer-beater over No. 4 Duke.
In their defense, the horn sounded and the clock struck zero, so legions of Tar Heel blue stormed the court. Seth Trimble even did Stephen Curry’s “going to sleep” celebration after hitting nothing but the net.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
North Carolina Tar Heels fans storm the court after a win 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, the referees reviewed the replay and decided to delay the clock by 0.4 seconds.
Hundreds of fans then had to clear the pitch, which had to be cleaned after food and drinks spilled everywhere.
Fortunately for them, the original judicial storm was not a curse. Duke couldn’t handle the incoming pass, sealing a 71-68 North Carolina victory.
It was UNC’s biggest comeback win over Duke since 2001 after trailing by 13 points. The Tar Heels went on a 9-0 run in the final 2:25 and did not lead at any point until the final score.
North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble celebrates after defeating Duke at the Dean E. Smith Center. (Bob Donnan/Image Images)
RICK PITINO TO ST. JOHN ZUBY STAR EJIOFOR: ‘YOU’RE GOING TO MAKE ME RETIRE’
House of Pain’s classic “Jump Around” came over the loudspeaker after the second court storm, and the place continued to go crazy.
For what it’s worth, UNC will be fined at least $50,000 for violating the ACC’s court-raiding rules. The $50,000 fine is for the first violation, and that amount doubles after the school’s second violation. 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 just Duke’s second of the season, as UNC improved to 19-4.
Seth Trimble of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after hitting 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 match will be at Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 7.
