UNC fans storm court too early against Duke, evacuate for final 0.4 seconds

Chapel Hill was buzzing just a bit too early Saturday night.

The 14th-ranked Tar Heels hit a 3-pointer in the closing seconds that everyone thought was a walk-off buzzer-beater over No. 4 Duke.

In their defense, the horn sounded, and the clock showed zeroes, so legions of Tar Heel blue stormed the court. 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 Dean E. Smith Center Feb. 7, 2026, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

However, officials reviewed the replay and decided to put 0.4 seconds back on the clock.

Hundreds of fans then had to clear the court, which had to be wiped down after food and drinks spilled everywhere.

Thankfully for them, the original court storm was not a jinx. Duke couldn’t handle the inbound pass, sealing a 71-68 victory for North Carolina.

It was UNC’s largest 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 until the final score.

North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble celebrates after defeating Duke at 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 berserk.

For what it’s worth, UNC will be fined at least $50,000 for breaking 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 court 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 the second of Duke’s 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 Dean E. Smith Center Feb. 7, 2026, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

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Their next meeting will be at Cameron Indoor Stadium March 7.

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