UNC's Seth Trimble hits game-winning shot against Duke

Trimble's clutch performance caps off his perseverance through ups and downs at North Carolina.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 12:31am

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Seth Trimble, a senior guard at the University of North Carolina, hit a game-winning shot to defeat the rival Duke Blue Devils in a thrilling matchup. Trimble's shot came after he had faced various challenges and uncertainties during his four-year career at UNC, including limited playing time and injuries.

Why it matters

The win over Duke is a significant accomplishment for Trimble and the UNC basketball program, as the rivalry between the two schools is one of the most intense in college sports. Trimble's perseverance and clutch performance in the face of adversity also serve as an inspiring story for student-athletes.

The details

With the game tied in the final seconds, Trimble received the ball and calmly sank the game-winning shot to give UNC the victory over their hated rivals. This came after Trimble had dealt with limited playing time and injuries throughout his career, but he remained focused and determined to make the most of his opportunities.

  • The game-winning shot occurred in the final seconds of the UNC-Duke matchup on February 7, 2026.

The players

Seth Trimble

A senior guard at the University of North Carolina who hit the game-winning shot against Duke.

University of North Carolina

The college basketball program that Seth Trimble plays for, known for their intense rivalry with Duke University.

Duke University

The rival college basketball program that lost to UNC in the game where Seth Trimble hit the game-winning shot.

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What they’re saying

“I just tried to stay focused and keep my head up through all the ups and downs. To hit that shot against Duke, it's a moment I'll never forget.”

— Seth Trimble

What’s next

UNC will look to build on this momentum as they continue their quest for a national championship, while Duke will aim to rebound from the tough loss.

The takeaway

Seth Trimble's game-winning shot against Duke exemplifies the perseverance and determination required to succeed at the highest levels of college basketball, even in the face of adversity.