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

Trimble's last-second 3-pointer lifts Tar Heels to thrilling victory over rival Blue Devils

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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In the final UNC-Duke matchup of his college career, senior guard Seth Trimble hit a game-winning 3-pointer in the closing seconds to lift North Carolina to a 71-68 upset victory over its archrival. Trimble, who scored 16 points in the game, said he will remember the moment for the rest of his life.

Why it matters

The win over Duke is a significant moment for the Tar Heels, who struggled through a tough 2022-23 season but have now knocked off the highly ranked Blue Devils. Trimble's heroics in his final home game against the rival provide a memorable end to his UNC career.

The details

With time expiring and the game tied at 68-68, Trimble caught a pass in the corner and launched a wide-open 3-pointer over Caleb Foster's outstretched arms. The shot swished through the net, sending the Dean Smith Center crowd into a frenzy as Trimble's teammates joined him in celebration.

  • The game-winning shot came as time expired in the UNC-Duke matchup on Saturday night.
  • Trimble is a senior in his fourth and final season of college basketball at North Carolina.

The players

Seth Trimble

A senior guard from Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, who is the captain of the North Carolina basketball team in his final season.

Caleb Foster

A Duke player who was defending Trimble on the game-winning shot.

Derek Dixon

The North Carolina player who passed the ball to Trimble for the game-winning shot.

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What they’re saying

“It's special. I'm going to remember this for the rest of my life. No matter how this year ends, as I grow older, this will be something that I remember, celebrate with my teammates, see the fans storm the court. My dad found me on the court, because the game wasn't over but he did find me. Just making a play like that, last home (UNC-Duke) game, knowing how much this game meant to me was definitely crazy.”

— Seth Trimble (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The win over Duke keeps North Carolina's NCAA Tournament hopes alive, as the Tar Heels look to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

The takeaway

Trimble's game-winning shot against Duke not only provided a thrilling ending to the rivalry matchup, but it also capped off a memorable senior season for the loyal Tar Heel. In an era of player movement, Trimble's persistence and passion for the Carolina program shines through in his heroic performance.