UNC vs. Duke: Key Postgame Highlights

Morgan Winslow

Published: February 8, 2026 1:12 PM ET

The highly anticipated matchup between No. 14 North Carolina (UNC) and No. 4 Duke concluded with a narrow victory for the Tar Heels, winning 71-68 on February 7, 2026, in Chapel Hill. This game showcased UNC’s resilience and determination, especially in the second half.

Game Overview

Caleb Wilson led the Tar Heels with 23 points, while Henri Veesaar dominated the boards with 11 rebounds. Derek Dixon contributed with four assists. With this victory, UNC improved its record to 19-4 overall and 7-3 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), while Duke fell to 21-2 and 10-1 in the ACC.

Key Highlights

UNC extended its winning streak to five games.
In the historical rivalry, UNC now holds a 146-120 advantage over Duke, including 67-40 at home.
The Tar Heels remain undefeated at home this season, boasting a perfect 14-0 record in the Smith Center.
Seth Trimble’s last-second three-pointer marked the latest game-winner for UNC since 2017, with only 0.4 seconds left on the clock.
This win represented the Tar Heels’ closest victory over Duke since a 75-73 match in 2005.

Comeback Story

UNC faced a 12-point deficit at halftime and demonstrated incredible fortitude by overcoming this challenge. The 40-29 second-half performance marked the largest comeback for the Tar Heels this season.

Despite trailing for 37 minutes, the Tar Heels showed resilience, finally taking the lead with Trimble’s game-winner. This comeback was highlighted as the fifth-largest in Smith Center history.

Individual Performances

Caleb Wilson scored 17 of his 23 points in the first half, marking his 23rd consecutive game in double figures.
Henri Veesaar achieved his 13th double-double of the season, tallying 13 points and 11 rebounds, with all his points scored in the second half.
Seth Trimble notched 16 points, the most in his eight games against Duke.

Statistical Analysis

Carolina shot 60.7% in the second half, improving significantly from a 33.3% first-half performance. This shift in shooting percentage is a trend noted in prior games against Kansas and Virginia, where similar patterns occurred.

Despite being outrebounded by 12 and being outscored in various specialty stats, the Tar Heels maintained composure and committed just seven turnovers, showcasing their best turnover performance of the season.

Next Matchup

Looking ahead, UNC will face Miami on February 10, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET, broadcast live on ESPN.

This game against Duke not only solidifies UNC’s standing in the ACC but also serves as a testament to their fighting spirit and teamwork under pressure, capturing the attention of college basketball fans across the nation.