Chapel Hill, N.C. — In a thrilling finish that will be remembered in Tar Heels history, North Carolina senior Seth Trimble delivered a stunning 3-pointer with just 0.4 seconds left on the clock, clinching a dramatic 71-68 victory over Duke. This win marked the first and only lead for the Tar Heels during the rivalry matchup held at the Smith Center.

The Blue Devils led for most of the game, going ahead by as many as 13 points in the first half and 11 in the second half. With just under three minutes remaining, North Carolina found itself trailing 66-62. However, the team rallied with a powerful surge, scoring the final nine points of the game, culminating in Trimble’s heroic shot from the corner.

As fans flooded the court in jubilation, they had to be moved aside for Duke’s final offensive play. The last effort from the Blue Devils fell short, failing to produce any points, sealing their fate.

Trimble’s final shot was particularly remarkable given it was his only attempt from beyond the arc throughout the game. He finished the night with 16 points. Leading the Tar Heels was freshman Caleb Wilson, who scored 23 points, showcasing his skills in crucial moments.

Duke’s standout player, freshman Cameron Boozer, matched the intensity with 24 points but faced a pivotal moment when he failed to convert a layup that could have shifted the game. With the score tied at 68 and just 15 seconds left, his missed opportunity became a significant turning point.

Henri Veesaar, who had struggled to find his rhythm in the first half, emerged as a key contributor for North Carolina. He netted 13 points in the second half, including the critical 3-pointer that knotted the score at 68 with just over a minute to play.

This dramatic victory not only highlights the resilience of the Tar Heels but also deepens the storied rivalry with Duke. Each game in this longstanding contest adds another chapter to the rich history shared by both programs, illustrating the intensity that characterizes college basketball in North Carolina.