Duke Bounces Back After UNC Loss, Scheyer Says It Made Them 'More Connected'

The Blue Devils have won 7 straight games since their defeat against the Tar Heels last month.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Duke head coach Jon Scheyer believes the team's loss to North Carolina last month was a turning point that allowed the Blue Devils to become more connected and focused. Since the 71-68 defeat, Duke has won 7 straight games, including a blowout victory over NC State on Monday. Scheyer said the loss gave the team a chance to look inward and work on areas for improvement ahead of the NCAA Tournament.

Why it matters

Duke's loss to their archrival UNC was a rare setback for the top-ranked Blue Devils, who have been one of the most dominant teams in college basketball this season. Scheyer's comments suggest the defeat may have been a valuable learning experience that helped the team grow closer and sharpen their focus as they gear up for the postseason.

The details

Duke crushed NC State 93-64 on Monday, continuing their strong play since the UNC loss. In that previous matchup, Seth Trimble hit the game-winning 3-pointer to give the 14th-ranked Tar Heels the 71-68 victory over the top-ranked Blue Devils. Scheyer said the defeat gave the team a chance to reflect on what they needed to improve, rather than letting it splinter the squad. Since then, Duke has won 7 straight, including victories over Pittsburgh, Clemson, Syracuse, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Virginia.

  • Duke lost to North Carolina 71-68 in the first week of February 2026.
  • Duke defeated NC State 93-64 on Monday, March 3, 2026.
  • Duke's next game is a rematch against North Carolina on Saturday.

The players

Jon Scheyer

The head coach of the Duke Blue Devils basketball team.

Seth Trimble

A player for the North Carolina Tar Heels who hit the game-winning 3-pointer against Duke.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know if it's a turning point. I think it's just another reference point and a step in the season. I think any loss gives you an opportunity to look a little bit differently at games, and I certainly did as a coach—what can I do better for these guys?”

— Jon Scheyer, Head Coach, Duke Blue Devils (Sports Illustrated)

“I'm sure these guys looked at each other in the mirror, and when you lose, I think you can splinter. I think it's very easy to do. But we've chosen (to use) the two losses that we've had to become more connected, to really attack the areas where we can grow, and stick together. I think that's what it's all about.”

— Jon Scheyer, Head Coach, Duke Blue Devils (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

Duke will face North Carolina in a rematch on Saturday at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

The takeaway

Duke's loss to their archrival UNC appears to have been a valuable learning experience for the Blue Devils, allowing them to reflect on areas for improvement and come together as a more connected team ahead of the NCAA Tournament.