UNC fans storm court too early against Duke, evacuate for final 0.4 seconds
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Chapel Hill was playing a little too early on Saturday night.
The 14th-seeded Tar Heels hit a 3-pointer in the closing seconds that everyone thought was a buzzer beater past No. 4 Duke.
As they made their case, the horn blared and the clock hit zeros, so legions of Tar Heel blue stormed the field. Seth Trimble even celebrated Stephen Curry “going to sleep” after simply shooting the ball into the net.
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North Carolina Tar Heels fans storm the field after their 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, officials reviewed the replay and decided to move the clock back 0.4 seconds.
Hundreds of fans were then forced to evacuate the pitch and the pitch had to be mopped after food and drinks were spilled everywhere.
Fortunately for them, the first palace storm was not a bad omen. Duke couldn’t clear the inbounds pass, giving North Carolina a 71-68 victory.
This was UNC’s biggest comeback win over Duke since 2001 after falling behind by 13 points. The Tar Heels went on a 9-0 run in the final 2:25 and did not take the 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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The classic song “Jumparound” by House of Pain was played on the loudspeaker after the second field storm and the venue continued to go crazy.
Regardless, UNC will be fined at least $50,000 for violating the ACC’s court assault rules. The $50,000 fine applies for a first offense, and the amount doubles after the school’s second offense. Technically, fans stormed the field twice.
This was UNC’s first win over Duke since March 9, 2024, after Duke won all three games, including the ACC tournament last year. The loss was only Duke’s second of the season, and 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 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina on February 7, 2026 (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
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Their next match will be at Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 7.
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