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Chapel Hill was buzzing just a little too early Saturday night.
The 14th-ranked Tar Heels hit a 3-pointer in the final seconds that everyone thought was a walk-off buzzer-beater over No. 4 Duke.
In their defense, the horn sounded and the clock read zero as legions of Tar Heel blue stormed the field. Seth Trimble even did Stephen Curry’s “go to sleep” celebration after hitting nothing but net.
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North Carolina Tar Heels fans storm the floor after a win against the Duke Blue Devils at the Dean E. Smith Center on February 7, 2026 in Chapel Hill, NC (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
But officials reviewed the replay and decided to put 0.4 seconds back on the clock.
Hundreds of fans then had to clear the pitch, which had to be wiped down after food and drinks were spilled everywhere.
Fortunately for them, the original court storm was not a jinx. Duke couldn’t handle the inbounds pass and secured a 71-68 win for North Carolina.
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 over the final 2:25 and did not lead at any point before the final score.
North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble celebrates after defeating 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 court storm and the place continued to go wild.
For what it’s worth, UNC will be fined at least $50,000 for violating the ACC court storming rules. The $50,000 fine is for a first offense, and that amount doubles after a school’s second. 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, while 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, NC (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Their next meeting will be at Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 7.
